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LESSONS
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THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"With joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation." Isa. 12:3.
"Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and Thy word was unto me
the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by Thy name, 0 Lord
God of hosts." Jer. 15:16.
"As a means of intellectual training, the opportunities of the Sabbath are
invaluable. Let the Sabbath-school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at
the lesson scripture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next
week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the week.
Thus the lesson will become fixed in the memory, a treasure never to be
wholly
lost."—Education,
pages 251, 252.
"Every day some portion of time should be appropriated to the study of
the lessons, not merely in learning to mechanically repeat the words, while
the mind does not comprehend the meaning; but to go to the very founda-
tion, and become familiar with what is brought out in the
lesson."—Counsels
on Sabbath School Work,
page 53.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sab-
bath-school lesson each day of the week.
Name
LESSON TITLES FOR
I. Vital Christian Principles Set Forth
2.
Lessons on the Kingdom
3.
Christ in Conflict With Jewish
Leaders
4.
Jesus Seeking the Lost
5.
Our Lord's Great Prophecy
6.
Jesus' Last Passover; A Transition
Service
7.
Jesus Gives Final Instructions
8.
9.
1o.
I I.
12.
13.
THE QUARTER
Gethsemane
Christ Rejected of Men
Jesus on Trial Before the Roman
Law
Calvary
The Burial and Resurrection
of Jesus
Forty Days of Fellowship
Following Christ's Passion
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 246, October-December, 1956.
15
cents a single copy, 50 cents
a year,
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California. Entered as second-class matter Oct 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, Califor-
nia, under the Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage
provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized Sept. 18, 1918. When a change of
address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1956, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in
U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF CHRIST
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
"It would be well for us to spend a
thoughtful hour each day in contemplation
of the life of Christ. We should take it
point by point, and let the imagination
grasp each scene, especially the closing ones.
As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice
for us, our confidence in Him will be more
constant, our love will be quickened, and
we shall be more deeply imbued with His
spirit. If we would be saved at last, we
must learn the lesson of penitence and hu-
miliation at the foot of the
cross."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 83.
Lesson 1, for October 6, 1956
Vital Christian Principles Set Forth
LESSON SCRIPTURES: John 7:14-53; 8:1-11; Luke 10:1-37.
MEMORY VERSE: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all
thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as
thyself." Luke 10:27.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 447-462, 485-505; "Christ's Object Les-
sons," pages 376-389; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," volume
5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 20.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath Afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
Check Here
from Study Helps assignment.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Friday: Review.
Helps assignment.
❑
O
Lesson Outline:
I. At the Feast of Tabernacles
1.
Teaching
in the temple court.
John 7:14-17.
2.
Living water. John
7:37-39.
3.
Jesus'
arrest delayed. John
7:32,
45-53.
II. A Cunning Trap
4.
The accused woman. John 8:2,3.
5.
A catch question.
John 8:4-6.
6.
Jesus' challenge to the accusers.
John 8:7-9.
7.
Gracious admonition.
John
8:10,11.
III. Jesus Sends Forth the Seventy
8.
Their marching orders. Luke 10:1-9.
9.
Judgment on the rejectors of
Christ's messengers. Luke
10:12-16.
10.
A successful missionary tour.
Luke 10:17-19.
11.
Spiritual vision. Luke 10:20, 21.
IV. Jesus Answers a Lawyer's Questions
12.
The lawyer's questions. Luke
10:25-29.
13.
An apt illustration. Luke
10:30-37.
[81
THE LESSON
At the Feast of Tabernacles
1.
What effect did the teaching of
Jesus at the Feast of Tabernacles have
upon the Jews? How only may the
truth be discerned? John
7:14-17.
NoTE.—"Man's advantages for obtaining
a
knowledge of the truth, however great
these may be, will prove of no benefit to
him unless the heart is open to receive the
truth, and there is a conscientious surrender
of every habit and practice that is opposed
to its principles. To those who thus yield
themselves to God, having an honest desire
to know and to do His will, the truth is
revealed as the power of God for their sal-
vation."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 455,
456.
2.
On the last day of the feast, what
earnest appeal did the Saviour make?
John 7:37-39.
NoTE.—"They [the people attending the
feast] had been engaged in a continued
scene of pomp and festivity, their eyes
had been dazzled with light and color, and
their ears regaled with the richest music;
but there had been nothing in all this round
of ceremonies to meet the wants of the
spirit, nothing to satisfy the thirst of the
soul for that which perisheth not. . .
Many of those who heard Jesus were
mourners over disappointed hopes, many
were nourishing a secret grief, many were
seeking to satisfy their restless longing
with the things of the world and the praise
of men; but when all was gained, they
found that they had toiled only to reach
a broken cistern, from which they could
not quench their thirst."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 453, 454.
3.
After the failure of the officers
to arrest Jesus, with what question did
Nicodemus further delay their design
to arrest Him? John 7:32, 45-53.
NorE.—"Hardened as were their hearts,
they were melted by His words. While He
was speaking in the temple court, they had
lingered near, to catch something that
might be turned against Him. But as they
listened, the purpose for which they had
been sent was forgotten. They stood as
men entranced. Christ revealed Himself
to their souls. They saw that which priests
and rulers would not see,—humanity
flooded with the glory of divinity. They re-
turned, so filled with this thought, so im-
pressed by His words, that to the inquiry,
`Why have ye not brought Him ?' they
could only reply, 'Never man spake like
this Man.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
page 459.
A Cunning Trap
4.
While Jesus was teaching in the
temple, how was He interrupted?
John 8:2, 3.
NoTE.—"To subject this unveiled, di-
sheveled, terror-stricken woman to the cold
and sensual curiosity of a malignant mob
—to make her, with total disregard to her
own sufferings, the mere passive instrument
of their hatred against Jesus; and to do all
this—not under the pressure of moral
indignation, but in order to gratify a calcu-
lating malice—showed on their part a
cold, hard cynicism, a graceless, pitiless, bar-
barous brutality of heart and conscience."
—F. W. Farrar,
The Life of Christ
(1-vol.
ed., Boston, 1905), pp. 409, 410.
5.
How did the scribes and Phari-
sees seek to trap Jesus? How' did Je-
sus respond? John 8:4-6,
NOTE.—"Had our Lord disapproved the
sentence of the law, they would doubtless
have represented Him to the multitude as a
person who contradicted Moses, and fa-
vored adultery.; which could not have failed
of rendering Him odious to the people. On
the other hand, had He ordered her to be
stoned, it would have afforded a plausible
[4:7
IN THE ROUND OF
CEREMONIES THERE
MAY BE LITTLE TO
SATISFY SPIRITUAL
LONGING.
406-1
pretense for accusing Him to the Roman
governor as a person who stirred up the
people to rebellion, the Romans having
now taken the power of life and death into
their own hands."—Fleetwood,
Life of
Christ
(New Haven, 1832), p. 194.
6.
When the scribes and Pharisees
pressed for an answer, what challenge
did Christ give? In what order did
the guilty accusers steal away? John
8:7-9.
Nora.—"He had not set aside the law
given through Moses, nor infringed upon
the authority of Rome. The accusers had
been defeated. Now, their robe of pre-
tended holiness torn from them, they stood,
guilty and condemned, in the presence of
Infinite Purity. They trembled lest the
hidden iniquity of their lives should be laid
open to the multitude; and one by one,
with bowed heads and downcast eyes, they
stole
-
away, leaving their victim with the
pitying Saviour."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 461.
7.
With what gracious words did
Jesus admonish the woman?
-
John
-
8:
1
:
0;.11.
NOTE.—"The
repeated instances in which,
without a moment's hesitation, He foiled
the crafty designs of His enemies, and in
failing them taught forever some eternal
principle of thought and action, are among
the most unique and decisive proofs of His
more than human wisdom; and yet not
one of these gleams of sacred light which
were struck from Him by collision with
the malice or hatred of men was brighter
or more beautiful than this."—Farrar,
The
Life of Christ,
page 414.
Jesus Sends Forth the Seventy
8.
In sending out the seventy, what
four points did Jesus stress? Luke
10:1-9.
9.
What pronouncement did Jesus
make upon the cities that would re-
ject His messengers? Luke 10:12-16.
NoTE.—"With a great show of prudence
the rabbis had warned the people against
receiving the new doctrines taught by this
new teacher; for His theories and prac-
tices were contrary to the teachings of the
fathers. The people gave credence to what
the priests and Pharisees taught, in place
of seeking to understand the word of God
for themselves. They honored the priests
and rulers instead of honoring God, and re-
jected the truth that they might keep their
Own traditions. . . . Our condemnation in
the judgment will not result from the fact
that we have been in error, but from the
fact that we have neglected heaven-sent op-
portunities for learning what is truth."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 489, 490.
10.
What report of their mission-
ary tour did the seventy give? What
comment did Jesus make? Luke 10:
17-19.
Nom.—"He beheld Lucifer as he was first
cast out from the heavenly places. He
looked forward to the scenes of His own
agony, when before all the worlds the
character of the deceiver should be un-
veiled. . . . Jesus looked forward to the
great final day, when the prince of the
power of the air will meet his destruction
151
in the earth so long marred by his rebellion.
. . . Henceforward Christ's followers were
to look upon Satan as a conquered foe."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 490.
11.
What caution was given to
these workers? For what did Jesus
express gratitude? Luke 10:20, 21.
Jesus Answers a Lawyer's
Questions
12.
How did Jesus turn a lawyer's
question? Seeking to justify himself,
what further question did the lawyer
ask? Luke 10:25-29.
NoTE.—"The lawyer was not satisfied
with the position and works of the Phari-
sees. . . . In his answer as to the require-
ments of the law, he passed by all the . . .
ceremonial and ritualistic precepts. For
these he claimed no value, but presented
the two great principles on which hang all
the law and the prophets. The Saviour's
commendation of this answer placed Him
on vantage ground with the rabbis. They
could not condemn Him for sanctioning
that which had been advanced by an ex-
positor of the law.
" 'This do, and thou shalt live,' Christ
said. In His teaching He ever presented
the law as a divine unity, showing that it
is impossible to keep one precept and break
another; for the same principle runs
through all. Man's destiny will be deter-
mined by his obedience to the whole law."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 377, 378.
13.
In answering the lawyer's ques-
tion, what impressive story did Jesus
relate? Luke 10:30-37.
NoTE.—"This was no imaginary scene,
but an actual occurrence, which was known
to be exactly as represented."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 499.
"The lesson is no less needed in the world
today than when it fell from the lips of Je-
sus. Selfishness and cold formality have
well-nigh extinguished the fire of love, and
dispelled the graces that should make fra-
grant the character. . . . Unless there is
practical self-sacrifice for the good of others,
in the family circle, in the neighborhood,
in the church, and wherever we may be,
then whatever our profession, we are not
Christians."—Ibid., p. 504.
Lesson 2, for October 13, 1956
Lessons on the Kingdom
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 19:13-30; Mark 10:13-31; Luke 18:15-20; John 11:
11-44.
MEMORY VERSE: "I am the resurrection, and the
life:
he that believeth in Me, though
he
were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in Me
shall never die." John 11:25, 26.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 511-541; "Christ's Object Lessons,"
pages 390-396; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," volume 5;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of September 27.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; read
"Christ's Object Lessons,"
pages 390-396.
❑
Monday:
Questions 3-6.
❑
Is]
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I.
Jesus and the Children
1.
The children brought to Jesus.
Mark 10:13, 14.
2.
God's kingdom belongs to the
children. Mark 10:15, 16;
Matt. 18:1-6, 14.
II. The
Cost of Discipleship
3.
A vital question. Matt. 19:16-19.
4.
A vital test. Matt. 19:20, 21;
Mark 10:20, 21.
S.
A fateful choice. Mark 10:22-27;
Matt. 19:22.
6. The disciples' reward. Matt.
19:27-30.
III. From Death to Life
7.
Lazarus sleepeth. John 11:11-14.
8.
The unconscious sleep of death.
Job 14:12; Ps. 146:3, 4 ; Eccl.
9:5, 6, 10.
9.
Jesus the Life-giver. John 11:21-26.
10.
The glory of God. John 11:38-40.
IV. The Voice of the Life-Giver
11.
The crowning evidence of divinity.
John 11:43, 44.
12.
The voice that awakens the dead.
John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess. 4:16, 17;
Job 14:14, 15.
13.
The resurrection of the just.
1 Cor. 15:51-55.
THE LESSON
Jesus and the Children
I. With what words did our Lord
rebuke the disciples for their unsym-
pathetic attitude toward the children?
Mark 10:13, 14.
NorE.-"When Jesus told the disciples
not to forbid the children to come to Him,
He was speaking to His followers in all
ages,-to officers of the church, to ministers,
helpers, and all Christians. Jesus is drawing
the children, and He bids us, Suffer them
to come; as if He would say, They will
come if you do not hinder them.
"Let not your un-Christlike character
misrepresent Jesus. Do not keep the little
ones away from Him by your coldness and
harshness."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 517.
2. In what way did Jesus empha-
size the necessity of a childlike atti-
tude on the part of all who would
enter the kingdom? Mark 10:15, 16;
Matt. 18:1-6, 14.
NOTE.-"It is still true that children are
the most susceptible to the teachings of the
gospel; their hearts are open to divine influ-
ences, and strong to retain the lessons
received. The little children may be Chris-
tians, having an experience in accordance
with their years. . . . In working for the
conversion of our children, we should not
look for violent emotion as the essential
evidence of the conviction of sin. Nor is it
necessary to know the exact time when
they are converted. We should teach them
to bring their sins to Jesus, asking His for-
giveness, and believing that He pardons
and receives them as He received the chil-
dren when He was personally on earth."-
The Desire of Ages,
page 515.
"The most childlike disciple is the most
efficient in labor for God. The heavenly
intelligences can co-operate with him who
is seeking, not to exalt self, but to save
souls. . . . The simplicity, the self-forget-
fulness, and the confiding love of a little
child are the attributes that Heaven values."
-Ibid.,
pp. 436, 437.
The Cost of Discipleship
3. What question did a young ruler
ask of Jesus? How did Jesus reply?
Matt.
19:16-19.
NOTE.-"This ruler had a high estimate
of his own righteousness. He did not really
suppose that he was defective in anything,
yet he was not altogether satisfied. He felt
the want of something that he did not
[
7]
WE
CANNOT
BE RESCUED
FROM A LOST WORLD IF WE
TRY TO TAKE GREEDY
WEALTH WITH US.
possess. Could not Jesus bless him as He
blessed the little children, and satisfy his
soul
want?"—The Desire of Ages,
page
518.
4.
What assertion did the young
man make? By what test did Christ
reveal the one thing this ruler in Is-
rael lacked? Matt. 19:20, 21; Mark
10:20, 21.
NoTE.—"The lover of self is a transgressor
of the law. This Jesus desired to reveal to
the young man, and He gave him a test
that would make manifest the selfishness of
his heart. He showed him the plague spot
in his character. The young man desired no
further enlightenment. He had cherished
an idol in the soul; the world was his god.
He professed to have kept the command-
ments, but he was destitute of the princi-
ple which was the very spirit and life of
them all. He did not possess true love for
God or man. This want was the want of
everything that would qualify him to enter
the kingdom of heaven. In his love of self
and worldly gain he was out of harmony
with the principles of heaven."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 392.
5.
What was the reaction of this
man? What comment did Jesus make
on the danger of riches? Mark 10:
22-27; Man. 19:22. Compare 1 Tim.
6:17-19.
NOTE.—"I saw that Satan bade his an-
gels lay their snares especially for those
who were looking for Christ's second ap-
pearing, and keeping all the command-
ments of God. . . . 'Go, make the posses-
sors of lands and money drunk with cares.
If you can make them place their affections
upon these things, we shall have them yet.
They may profess what they please, only
make them care more for money than for
the success of Christ's kingdom or the
spread of the truths we hate. Present the
world before them in the most attractive
light, that they may love and idolize it.
. . . Make covetousness and love of earthly
treasures the ruling traits of their character.
As long as these traits rule, salvation and
grace stand back. Crowd every attraction
around them, and they will be surely ours."
—Early Writings,
pages 266, 267.
6.
What question did Peter raise?
How did Jesus respond? Matt. 19:
27-30.
NoTE.—"While much of the fruit of their
labor is not apparent in this life, God's
workers have His sure promise of ultimate
success. As the world's Redeemer, Christ
was constantly confronted with apparent
failure. . . . But He would not be discour-
aged. Ever before Him He saw the result
of His mission. . . . The life of Christ's
disciples is to be like His, a series of unin-
terrupted victories—not seen to be such
here, but recognized as such in the great
hereafter.
"Those who labor for the good of others
are working in union with the heavenly
angels.. . Angels of light and power are
ever near to protect, to comfort, to heal, to
instruct, to inspire. The highest education,
the truest culture, the most exalted service
possible to human beings in this world, are
theirs."—Gospel Workers,
pages 514, 515.
From Death to Life
7.
How did Christ describe the
condition of Lazarus in death? John
11:11-14.
[ 8,]
NOTE.—"Christ represents death as a
sleep to His believing children. Their life
is hid with Christ in God, and until the
last trump shall sound those who die will
sleep in Him."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
527.
8.
How is the unconscious sleep of
death stated in the following scrip-
tures? Job 14:12; Ps. 146:3, 4; Eccl.
9:5, 6, 10.
9.
By what declaration did Jesus
comfort the sorrowing? John 11:21-
26. Compare Rev. 1:18.
NoTE.—"Christ here looks forward to the
time of His second coming. Then the
righteous dead shall be raised incorruptible,
and the living righteous shall be trans-
lated to heaven without seeing death. • . .
By His word and His works He declared
Himself the Author of the resurrection.
He who Himself was soon to die upon the
cross stood with the keys of death, a con-
queror of the grave, and asserted His right
and power to give eternal life."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 530.
10.
With what assurance did Jesus
approach the tomb of Lazarus? John
11:38-40.
The Voice of the Life-Giver
11.
By what demonstration did
Christ reveal His power as Life-giver?
John 11:43, 44.
NOTE.—"His voice, clear and penetrating,
pierces the ear of the dead. As He speaks,
divinity flashes through humanity. In His
face, which is lighted up by the glory of
God, the people see the assurance of His
power. Every eye is fastened on the en-
trance to the cave. Every ear is bent to
catch the slightest sound. With intense and
painful interest all wait for the test of
Christ's divinity, the evidence that is to sub-
stantiate His claim to be the Son of God,
or to extinguish the hope forever.
"There is a stir in the silent tomb, and
he who was dead stands at the door of the
sepulcher."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 536.
12.
When will the voice of the
Life-giver again be heard, and who
will hear it? John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess.
4:16, 17; Job 14:14, 15.
13.
How does Paul describe the
resurrection of the righteous? 1 Cot.
15:51-55.
NoTE.—"The earth mightily shook as the
voice of the Son of God called forth the
sleeping saints. They responded to the call,
and came forth clothed with glorious im-
mortality, crying, 'Victory, victory, over
death and the grave! 0 death, where is
thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy victory?'
Then the living saints and the resurrected
ones raised their voices in a long, trans-
porting shout of victory. Those bodies
that had gone down into the grave bearing
the marks of disease and death came up in
immortal health and vigor. The living
saints are changed in a moment, in the
twinkling of an eye, and caught up with
the risen ones, and together they meet their
Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meet-
ing! Friends whom death had separated
were united, nevermore to part."—Early
Writings,
page 287.
The teacher's edition of the "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly"
is a valuable aid to every Sabbath-school teacher, because every
other page is blank, providing space for writing out texts, notes,
comments, etc. Ask your Sabbath-school secretary to secure one for
you along with the order for regular "Quarterlies."
[ 9
Lesson 3, for October 20, 1956
Christ in Conflict With Jewish Leaders
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 22:15-46; 23:1-33; Mark 12:13-40; Luke 20:20-47.
MEMORY VERSE: "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and
unto God the things that are God's." Matt. 22:21.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 601-620; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of Octo-
ber 4.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
0
Monday: Questions 4-7.
Tuesday: Questions 8, 9; start read-
ing Study Helps assignment.
0
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
0
Friday: Review.
0
Lesson Outline:
I. Pharisees and Herodians Silenced
1.
Jesus faithfully warns Jewish lead-
ers. Matt. 21:43 ; 22:7.
2.
Pharisees and Herodians seek to
trap Jesus. Matt. 22:15-17;
Mark 12:12-14; Luke 20:19-22.
3.
Jesus enunciates a great principle.
Matt. 22:18-22 ; Luke 20:23-26.
II. The Sadducees Question Jesus
4.
The Sadducees' disbelief in the
resurrection. Matt. 22:23; Acts
23:8.
5.
A
hypothetical question. Matt.
22:24-28; Deut. 25:5, 6.
6.
An unequivocal answer. Matt.
22:29, 30; Luke 20:34-36.
7. Proof of the resurrection. Mark
12:26, 27; Ex. 3:6; Rom. 4:17.
III. Pharisees Return to the Encounter
8. The great commandment. Matt.
22:34-40.
9.
Jesus asks some questions. Matt.
22:41-46; Ps. 110:1.
IV. The Great Denunciation
10. Jesus exposes Jewish leaders.
Matt. 23:1-10.
11. Woes on the scribes and Pharisees.
Matt. 23:13-22 ; Luke 11:52,
margin.
12.
Woeful hypocrisy. Matt. 23:23-33.
13. The farewell lamentation. Matt.
23:34-39.
THE LESSON
Pharisees and Herodians Silenced
1. With what plain statement did
our Lord set forth the fateful results
of His rejection by the Jewish lead-
ers and nation? Matt. 21:43; 22:7.
NcrrE.-"The sin of the world today is
the sin that brought destruction upon Is-
rael. Ingratitude to God, the neglect of
opportunities and blessings, the selfish ap-
propriation of God's gifts,-these were
comprised in the sin that brought wrath
upon Israel. They are bringing ruin upon
the world today. . . .
"Men are in peril. Multitudes are perish-
ing. But how few of the professed follow-
ers of Christ are burdened for these souls.
The destiny of a world hangs in the bal-
ance ; but this hardly moves even those
[ 10 ]
who claim to believe the most far-reaching
truth ever given to mortals. . . . There is
a stupor, a paralysis, upon the people of
God, which prevents them from understand-
ing the duty of the
hour."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
pages 302, 303.
2.
When they were unable to re-
fute the teachings of Jesus, how did
the Pharisees and. Herodians further
seek to entrap Him? Matt. 22:15-17;
Mark 12:12-14; Luke 20:19-22.
NoTE.—"The priests therefore imagined,
that it was not in His power to decide the
point, without rendering Himself obnoxious
to some of the parties: if He should say it
was lawful to pay the taxes, they believed
that the people, in whose hearing the ques-
tion was proposed, would be incensed
against Him. . . . But if He should affirm
that it was unlawful to pay tribute, they
determined to inform the governor, who
they hoped would punish Him as a former
of sedition."—Fleetwood,
Life of Christ
(New Haven, 1832), p. 289.
3.
By what fundamental principle
did the Master define man's relation
to God and to the civil government?
How did this answer affect His ques-
tioners? Matt. 22:18-22; Luke 20:
23-26.
NoTE.—"The treacherous question was
answered with a dearness, precision, and
wisdom, which defined, for all ages, the
relations of His kingdom to the civil power.
. . . To realize the immense significance of
this utterance, delivered as it was, on the
moment, without an instant's hesitation, we
must remember that it introduced an en-
tirely new conception of the relation of
church and state."—Cunningham Geikie,
The Life of Christ
(New York, John B.
Alden, 1889), p. 678.
"No one thought of vindicating liberty
of religion for the conscience of the indi-
vidual till a voice in Judea, breaking day
for the greatest epoch in the life of human-
ity by establishing for all mankind a pure,
spiritual, and universal religion, enjoined
to render to Caesar only that which is
Caesar's."—George Bancroft,
History of
the United States
(1884 ed.), vol. 6, p. 444.
The Sadducees Question Jesus
4.
Who next questioned Christ? What
was the belief of the Sadducees re-
garding life after death? Matt. 22:23;
Acts 23:8.
NorE.—"The Sadducees rejected the tra-
ditions of the Pharisees. They professed to
believe the greater portion of the Scriptures,
and to regard them as the rule of action;
but practically they were skeptics and
materialists. . . . Many of them were
wealthy, and they had the influence which
wealth imparts. In their ranks were in-
cluded most of the priests, and from among
them the high priest was usually chosen."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 603, 604.
5.
Citing a statute of Moses, on
what hypothetical case did the Saddu-
cees base another question? Matt. 22:
24-28; Deut. 25:5, 6.
6.
What definite reply did our Lord
give? Matt. 22:29, 30; Luke 20:34-36.
NOTE.—"The words of Christ are too
plain to be misunderstood. They should
forever settle the question of marriages
and births in the new earth. Neither those
who shall be raised from the dead, nor
those who shall be translated without see-
ing death, will marry or be given in mar-
riage. They will be as the angels of God,
members of the royal
family."—Medical
Ministry,
pages 99, 100.
7.
In proof of the resurrection,
what statement of God to Moses did
Christ interpret? Mark 12:26,.27; Ex.
3:6; Rom. 4:17.
NoTE.—"God counts the things that are
not as though they were. He sees the end
from the beginning, and beholds the results
of His work as though it were now accom-
plished."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 606.
1,11111111111111i
THE CHRISTIAN HAS A POSITIVE DVTV
TO gENDER"UNTO CAESAR THE THINGS
WHICH ARE CAESAR'S."
4956-3
Pharisees Return to the Encounter
8.
Hearing that the Sadducees had
been put to silence, what question did
one of the Pharisees put to Jesus?
What was Jesus' answer? Matt. 22:
34-40. Compare Deut. 6:4, 5; Lev.
19:18.
NorE.—"The first four of the Ten Com-
mandments are summed up in the one
great precept, 'Thou shalt love the Lord
thy God with all thy heart.' The last six
are included in the other, 'Thou shalt love
thy neighbor as thyself.' Both these com-
mandments are an expression of the princi-
ple of love. The first cannot be kept and
the second broken. . . . When God has
His rightful place on the throne of the
heart, the right place will be given to our
neighbor. We shall love him as ourselves.
And only as we love God supremely is it
possible to love our neighbor impartially."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 607.
9.
With what questions did Jesus
finally silence His opponents? Matt.
22:41-46; Ps. 110:1.
NorE.—"The true answer . . , would
have been—He is David's son by His hu-
man descent, but, as the Son of God, pro-
ceeding from the Father, He is exalted far
above David and all mankind, and there-
fore was rightly called, by David, his Lord.
But this twofold relation of the Messiah
to their great king, and, with it, the true
estimate of the dignity and office of the
Messiah, were not in their theology."—
Geikie,
The Life of Christ,
page 683.
The Great Denunciation
10.
To relieve the perplexity of the
people, how did our Lord proceed to
set forth the true character of the re-
ligious leaders? Matt. 23:1-10.
NOTE.—"In all religious matters they had
ever yielded implicit obedience to their
[the rabbis' and priests'] authority. Yet
now they saw these men trying to cast dis-
credit upon Jesus, a teacher whose virtue
and knowledge shone forth the brighter
from every assault. . . . Through their
reverence for tradition and their blind
faith in a corrupt priesthood, the people
were enslaved. These chains Christ must
break. The character of the priests, rulers,
and Pharisees must be more fully exposed."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 611, 612.
11.
For what reasons were the first
four woes pronounced upon the
scribes and Pharisees? Matt. 23:13-22;
Luke 11:52, margin.
Nom—Substituting the traditions of men
for the commandments of God, the reli-
gious leaders of Christ's day rejected the
light from heaven, and put forth every ef-
fort to keep their members from walking
in the light. The same experience is being
repeated in these last days. See 2 Timothy
4:3, 4.
12.
For what reasons were the four
woes pronounced? Matt. 23:23-33.
NoTE.—"Many follow in the track of the
Pharisees. . . . They wonder at the blind-
ness of the Jews in rejecting Christ. . . .
But when obedience to God requires self-
denial and humiliation, these very persons
stifle their convictions, and refuse obedi-
ence."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 618.
12 1
13. With what sad words did Christ
foretell the fearful results of their per-
sistent rejection of heaven's message
and messengers? Matt. 23:34-39.
NoTE.-"This is the separation struggle.
In the lamentation of Christ the very heart
of God is pouring itself forth. It is the
mysterious farewell of the long-suffering
love of the Deity."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 620.
"Every ray of light rejected, every warn-
ing despised or unheeded, every passion in-
dulged, every transgression of the law of
God, is a seed sown which yields its un-
failing harvest. The Spirit of God, per-
sistently resisted, is at last withdrawn from
the sinner, and then there is left no power
to control the evil passions of the soul, and
no protection from the malice and enmity
of Satan. The destruction of Jerusalem is a
fearful and solemn warning to all who are
trifling with the offers of divine grace."-
The Great Controversy,
page 36.
Lesson 4, for October 27, 1956
Jesus Seeking the Lost
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 21:1-16; 26:8-16;
Mark 14:3-9; Luke
7:36-50; 19:1-48;
John 12:1-19.
MEMORY VERSE: "For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was
lost." Luke 19:10.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages
552-600;
"The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume
5;
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of Octo-
ber 11.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; start read-
ing from Study Helps assign-
ment.
0
Monday: Questions 3-5.
❑
Check
Here
Tuesday: Questions 6-8.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 9.13.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. Jesus Finds the Publican
1.
A guest of Zacchaeus. Luke 19:1-7.
2.
Evidence of conversion. Luke
19:8-10.
II. Jesus Attends the Feast at Simon's
House
3.
The broken alabaster box. Mark
14:3 ; Luke 7:36-38.
4.
Mary's act criticized. John.
12 :4-8 ; Matt. 26:8-13.
5.
The perfidy of Judas. Matt.
26:14-16.
III. Jesus Gently Rebukes Simon and
Comforts Mary
6. Parable of two debtors. Luke
7:39-43.
7.
Mary's devotion compared with
Simon's. Luke 7:44-46.
8.
Mary's sins forgiven. Luke
7:47-50.
IV. Jesus' Solicitude for Jerusalem
9.
"Thy King cometh." Matt.
21:1-7; Zech. 9:9.
10.
The multitudes acclaim Jesus.
Matt. 21:8, 9; Luke 19:36-38;
John 12:12-16.
11.
Protesting Pharisees rebuked.
Luke 19:39, 40.
12.
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem.
Luke 19:41-44.
13.
Fulfilling prophecy. Matt.
21:10, 11.
[
13]
THE LESSON
Jesus Finds the Publican
1.
In his desire to see Jesus, what
did Zacchaeus do? Ignoring Jewish
prejudice, what announcement did
Jesus make? Luke 19:1-7.
NorE.—"That he, the hated and de-
spised one, should have been thus favored,
in a moment won his heart, and waked
the impulse of a new and better life; but
it also raised the hostile feeling of the mul-
titude. . . . They little knew the mighty
change his having done so had, in a mo-
ment, wrought in a soul hitherto degraded
and lost, not less by an ignoble life, than
by the social proscription which barred all
hope of self-recovery."—Geikie,
The Life
of Christ
(New York, John B. Alden, 1889),
p. 656.
2.
What evidence of genuine re-
pentance did Zacchaeus give? How
did Christ commend this publican and
justify His treatment of him? Luke
J9:8-10. Compare Ex.
2 2:1
-
4.
NorE.—"No repentance is genuine that
does not work reformation. The right-
eousness of Christ is not a cloak to cover
unconfessed and unforsaken sin; it is a
principle of life that transforms the charac-
ter and controls the conduct. Holiness is
wholeness for God; it is the entire sur-
render of heart and life to the indwelling
of the principles of heaven. . . .
"If we have injured others through any
unjust business transaction, if we have over-
reached in trade, or defrauded any man,
even though it be within the pale of the
law, we should confess our wrong, and
make restitution as far as lies in our power."
—The Desire of Ages,
pages 555, 556.
Jesus Attends the Feast at
Simon's House
3.
At whose home was a feast made
for Jesus? By what act did Mary show
her gratitude for pardoned sin and
the restoration of her brother? Mark
14:3; Luke 7:36-38.
NOTE.—"He [Simon] was one of the few
Pharisees who had openly joined Christ's
followers. He acknowledged Jesus as a
teacher, and hoped that He might be the
Messiah, but he had not accepted Him as
a Saviour. His character was not trans-
formed; his principles were unchanged.
"Simon had been healed of the leprosy,
and it was this that had drawn him to
Jesus."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 557.
4.
Who stirred up criticism among
the disciples against this act? With
what words did Christ rebuke the
criticism and commend Mary? John
12:4-8; Matt. 26:8-13.
NOTE.—"As the alabaster box was bro-
ken, and filled the whole house with its
fragrance, so Christ was to die, His body
was to be broken; but He was to rise
from the tomb, and the fragrance of His
life was to fill the earth. . . . And as far
as the gospel extended, Mary's gift would
shed its fragrance, and hearts would be
blessed through her unstudied act. King-
doms would rise and fall; the names of
monarchs and conquerors would be for-
gotten; but this woman's deed would be
immortalized upon the pages of sacred
history. Until time should be no more,
that broken alabaster box would tell, the
story of the abundant love of God for a
fallen race."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 563.
5.
Stung by the Saviour's rebuke,
what covenant did Judas make with
the chief priests? What was to be the
price of the betrayal? Matt. 26:14-16.
Non.—"When Mary anointed the
.
Sav-
iour's feet, Judas manifested his 'covetous
disposition. At the reproof from Jesus his
very spirit seemed turned to gall. Wounded
pride and desire for revenge broke down
the barriers, and the greed so long in-
dulged held him in control. This will be
14 ]
the experience of everyone who persists in
tampering with sin. The elements of de-
pravity that are not resisted and overcome
respond to Satan's temptation, and the soul
is led captive at his
will."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 720.
Jesus Gently Rebukes Simon
and Comforts Mary
6.
Why did Simon doubt in his
mind the prophetic role of his Guest?
By what parable did Jesus cause the
Pharisee to pronounce his own sen-
tence? Luke 7:39-43.
NOTE.—"Simon had led into sin the
woman he now despised. She had been
deeply wronged by
him."—The Desire of
Ages,
pages 566.
7.
How did Christ compare Simon's
treatment of Him with Mary's? Luke
7:44-46.
NoTx.—"While he [Simon] thought him-
self reading his Guest, his Guest had been
reading him. He saw how true Christ's
judgment of him was. His religion had
been a role of pharisaism. He had despised
the compassion of Jesus.. . . While Mary
was a sinner pardoned, Simon was a sin-
ner - unpardoned. . . . Simon was touched
by the kindness of Jesus in not openly re-
buking him before the guests.
. Stern
denunciation would have hardened Simon
against repentance, but patient admonition
convinced him of hiS
-
erfor. He saw the
magnitude of the debt which he owed his
Lord. His pride was humbled; he re=
pented, and the proud Pharisee became a
lowly; self-sacrificing distiple."The
De-
sire of Ages,
pages 567, 568.
8.
_What comforting assurance was
given to Mary? Luke 7:47-50.
NoTa.—"When to human eyes her case
appeared hopeless, Christ saw in Mary ca-
pabilities for good. . . . The plan of •re-
demption has invested humanity with great
possibilities, and in Mary these. possibilities
THE PRINCE OF PEACE STANDS BEFORE
EVERY CITY, EVERY HOME, EVERY PERSON,
LONGING TO DRAW THEM TO HIM,
4
.
56
,
were to be realized. . . . The one who had
fallen, and whose mind had become a habi-
tation of demons, was brought very near
to the Saviour in fellowship and ministry.
It was Mary who sat at His feet and
learned of Him. It was Mary who poured
upon. His head the precious anointing oil,
and bathed His feet with her tears. Mary
stood beside the cross, and followed Him
to the sepulcher. Mary was first at the
tomb after His resurrection. It was Mary
who first proclaimed a risen Saviour."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 568.
Jesus' Solicitude for Jerusalem
9.
In preparation for His entry into
Jerusalem, what instruction did Christ
give to two of His disciples? What
prophecy was thus fulfilled? Matt. 21:
1-7; Zech. 9:9.
"NoTE.—"He had, therefore, determined,
with calm deliberation, and consciousness
of what it- involved, to enter Jerusalem
publicly, with such circumstance as would
openly announce His claim to be the Mes-
siah. He would also perform specific Mes-
siahie acts, in the very citadel of the
theocracy, and under the eyes of the
haughty, and yet alarmed, hierachy. He
would enter as a king, but, as the Prince of
Peace, giving no real pretense for any
charge of political design."—Geikie,
The
LzfQof Christ,,
page 660.
E 1s
.
1
'
10.
What demonstration by the
multitude marked the triumphal en-
try? Matt. 21:8, 9; Luke 19:36-38;
John 12:12-16.
NoTE.—"Never before had the world
seen such a triumphal procession. . . . The
blind whom He had restored to sight were
leading the way. The dumb whose tongues
He had loosed shouted the loudest hosan-
nas. The cripples whom He had healed
bounded with joy, and were the most ac-
tive in breaking the palm branches and
waving them before the Saviour. . . . The
lepers whom He had cleansed spread their
untainted garments in His path, and hailed
Him as the King of glory. . . . Lazarus,
whose body had seen corruption in the
grave, but who now rejoiced in the strength
of glorious manhood, led the beast on which
the Saviour
rode."—The Desire of Ages,
page 572.
11.
When the Pharisees sought to
stop the demonstration, how did Jesus
approve the conduct of the people?
Luke 19:39, 40.
NoTE.—"That scene of triumph was of
God's own appointing. It had been fore-
told by the prophet, and man was power-
less to turn aside God's purpose. Had men
failed to carry out His plan, He would
have given a voice to the inanimate stones,
and they would have hailed His Son with
acclamations of praise."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 5'72.
12.
As Christ viewed the Holy City
from the brow of Olivet, how were
His feelings manifested?. What fate
did He predict would come upon
Jerusalem? Why? Luke 19:41-44.
NoTE.—"Christ came to save Jerusalem
with her children; but Pharisaical pride,
hypocrisy, jealousy, and malice had pre-
vented Him from accomplishing His pur-
pose. . .
"Jerusalem had been the child of His
care, and as a tender father mourns over
a wayward son, so Jesus wept over the
beloved city."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
577.
"In every age there is given to men
their day of light and privilege, a proba-
tionary time in which they may become
reconciled to God. But there is a limit to
this grace. Mercy may plead for years
and be slighted and rejected; but there
comes a time when mercy makes her last
plea. The heart becomes so hardened that
it ceases to respond to the Spirit of God.
. . . That day had come to Jerusalem."—
Ibid., p. 587.
13.
As the procession approached
Jerusalem, what inquiry was raised?
What joyful response was made? Matt.
21:10, 11.
N0TE.—"The disciples, filled with the
spirit of inspiration, answer this question.
In eloquent strains they repeat the proph-
ecies concerning Christ:
"Adam will tell you, It is the seed of the
woman that shall bruise the serpent's head.
"Ask Abraham, he will tell you, It is
`Melchizedek King of Salem,' King of
Peace. . . .
"Isaiah will tell you, 'Immanuel,"Won-
derful, Counselor, The mighty God, The
everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.' ...
"Daniel will tell you, He is the Mes-
siah. . . .
"John the Baptist will tell you, He is
'the Lamb of God which taketh away the
sin of the world.'
"—The Desire of Ages,
pages 578, 579.
SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS IN BRAILLE
The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are
published each quarter in Braille, and they are supplied free
to the blind upon request.
Address:
The Christian Record Benevo-
lent Association, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.
C is I
Lesson 5, for November 3, 1956
Our Lord's Great Prophecy
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be over-
charged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that
day come upon you unawares." Luke 21:34.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 627-636; "The Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of
October 11.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; start
Check Here
reading from Study Helps
assignment.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
Friday: Review.
Lesson Outline:
I. Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold
1.
The city that would not be saved.
Matt. 23:34-38; 24:1-3.
2.
Sign of Jerusalem's downfall.
Matt. 24:15-19; Luke 21:20-24.
3.
Continued Sabbath observance.
Matt. 24:20.
II, Signs of Christ's Second Coming
4.
The dark day. Matt. 24:29, first
part.
5.
Time specified. Mark 13:24.
6: The falling stars. Matt. 24:29,
last part ; Rev. 6:13.
7.
Moral degeneracy. Matt. 24:37-39;
Luke 17:26-30.
8.
World evangelism. Matt. 24:14.
9.
Last-day delusions. Matt. 24:23-27.
III. The Hope of the World
10.
World conditions hopeless. Luke
21:25-28.
11.
At the door. Matt. 24:32-36;
Luke 21:29-33.
12.
Foolish virgins. Matt. 24:12,
48-51; 25:8-12.
13.
Watch and pray. Mark 13:33-37;
Luke 21:34-36.
THE LESSON
Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold
1. What prediction was made con-
cerning the fate of the Holy City?
What pertinent questions did the dis-
ciples' ask Jesus? Matt. 23:34-38;
24:1-3.
NoTE.
-
"Jesus did
not answer His disci-
ples by taking
up separately the destruc-
tion of Jerusalem and the great
day of His
coming. . . .
In mercy to
them He blended
the description of the two great crises,
leaving the disciples to study out the
meaning for themselves.. . . This entire
discourse was given, not for the disciples
only, but for those who should live in the
last scenes of this earth's history."-The
Desire of Ages,.
page 628.
2. What sign was to be the signal
for the believers to flee from the
doomed city? Matt. 24:15-19; Luke
21:20-24.
[ 17 ]
NOTE.—"Not one Christian perished in
the destruction of Jerusalem. . . . The be-
sieged, despairing of successful resistance,
were on the point of surrender, when the
Roman general withdrew his forces with-
out the least apparent reason. But God's
merciful providence was directing events
for the good of His own people.... Events
were so overruled that neither Jews nor
Romans should hinder the flight of the
Christians. Upon the retreat of Cestius, the
Jews, sallying from Jerusalem, pursued af-
ter his retiring army; and while both
forces were thus fully engaged, the Chris-
tians had an opportunity to leave the city."
—The Great Controversy,
page 30.
3.
For what were believers in-
structed to pray? Matt. 24:20.
NOTE.—"He who made the Sabbath did
not abolish it. . . . The Sabbath was not
rendered null and void by His death. Forty
years after His crucifixion it was still to
be held sacred. For forty years the disci-
ples were to pray that their flight might not
be on the Sabbath
day."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 630.
Signs of Christ's Second Coming
4.
What definite sign in the heav-
ens would be given to direct men to
the study of the prophecies? Matt.
24:29, first part. Compare Rev. 6:12.
NOTE.—"The
Dark Day,
May 19, 1780
socalled on account of a remarkable dark-
ness on that day extending over all New
England. In some places, persons could
not see to read common print in the open
air for several,
hours together. Birds sang
their evening songs, disappeared, and be-
came silent; fowls went to roost; cattle
sought the barnyard; and candles were
lighted in the houses. The obscuration be-
gan about ten o'clock in the morning, and
continued till the middle of the next night,
but with differences of degree and duration
in different places. For several days previ-
ous, the wind had been variable, but chiefly
from the southwest and the northeast.
The true cause of this remarkable phe-
nomenon is not
known."—Noah Webster's
Dictionary
(edition 1869), under Explana-
tory and Pronouncing Vocabulary of Noted
Names of Fiction, etc. Quoted in
Source
Book for Bible Students,
page 133.
5.
How precisely was the time of
this sign fixed? Mark 13:24.
Nom.—"In those days, after that tribu-
lation." The 1260 years of papal suprem-
acy ended in 1798, when Pope Pius VI was
carried into exile by the French General
Berthier. For the elect's sake the days of
tribulation were to be shortened. Under
pressure of the great powers, Pope Clement
XIV, on July 21, 1773, issued his famous
decree supressing the Jesuit order in all the
states of Christendom, thereby marking
the end of organized persecution. Imme-
diately after the tribulation ceased,
yet
be-
fore the end of papal supremacy, there
occurred the darkening of the sun and
moon, May 19, 1780.
6.
What other startling sign was to
give impetus to the proclamation of
our Lord's return? Matt. 24:29, last
part; Rev. 6:13.
NOTE.—"On the night of November 12-
13, 1833, a tempest of falling stars broke
over the earth. North Ametica bore the
brunt of its pelting. From the
-
Gulf of Mex-
ico to Halifax, until daylight with some
difficulty put an end to the display, the sky
was scored in every direction with shining
tracks- and illuminated with majestic fire-
balls."—History of Astronomy in the Nine-
teenth Century,
Agnes M. Clerke, page 328.
London, 1902. Quoted in
Source Book for
Bible Students,
page 176.
7.
How did Jesus describe the moral
and social conditions that would mark
the last days? Matt. 24:37-39; Luke
17:26-30. Compare Gen. 6:5, 11-13.
NOTE.—"The spirit of anarchy is per-
meating all nations, and the outbreaks that
from time to time excite the .horror of the
[18
1
BOMB SHELTERS WILL
NOT
BE ENOUGH
IN THE TIME OF TROUBLE.
so's- s
world are but indications of the pent-up
fires of passion and lawlessness that, having
once escaped control, will fill the earth with
woe and desolation. The picture which in-
spiration has given of the antediluvian
world, represents too truly the condition
to which modern society is fast hastening.
Even now, in the present century, and in
professedly Christian lands, there are
crimes daily perpetrated, as black and ter-
rible as those for which the old-world sin-
ners were destroyed."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 102.
8.
What world-wide movement did
Christ say would immediately precede
His return? Matt. 24:14. Compare
Rev. 14:6-14.
9.
Against what type of deception
did the Saviour specially warn? Why
will the elect not be deceived? Matt.
24:23-27.
NOTE.—"As the crowning act in the
great drama of deception, Satan himself
will personate Christ. . . . The great de-
ceiver will make it appear that Christ has
come. In different parts of the earth, Satan
will manifest himself among men as a ma-
jestic being of dazzling brightness, resem-
bling the description of the Son of God
given by John in the Revelation. . . . He
heals the diseases of the people, and then,
in his assumed character of Christ, he
claims to have changed the Sabbath to
Sunday, and commands all to hallow the
day which he has blessed. . . . This is the
strong, almost overmastering delusion. . . .
This [Christ's] coming, there is no possi-
bility of counterfeiting. It will be univer-
sally known—witnessed by the whole
world.
"Only those who have been diligent stu-
dents of the Scriptures and who have re-
ceived the love of the truth will be shielded
from the powerful delusion that takes the
world captive."—The
Great Controversy,
pages 624, 625.
The Hope of the World
10.
To what hopeless condition will
sin bring the world? What will be
the sure hope of the people of God in
earth's darkest hour? Luke 21:25-28.
NoTE.—"Without having improved ap-
preciably in virtue or enjoying wiser guid-
ance, it [mankind] has got into its hands
for the first time the tools by which it can
unfailingly accomplish its own extermina-
tion. That is the point in human destinies
to which all the glories and toils of men
have at last led them. . . . Death stands
at attention, obedient, expectant, ready to
serve, ready to shear away the peoples en
masse; ready, if called on, to pulverize
without hope of repair, what is left of civi-
lization."=Winston Churchill,
The Gath-
ering Storm,
page 40.
11.
As we see all these things come
to pass, what are we to know? Matt.
24:32-36; Luke 21:29-33.
12.
What will be the sad condition
of many who profess to be looking
for the coming of the Lord? Matt.
24:12, 48-51; 25:8-12.
NOTE.—"They
have no oil in their ves-
sels with their lamps. They are destitute of
the Holy Spirit. Without the Spirit of God
a knowledge of His word' is of no avail.
11
J
The theory of truth, unaccompanied by
the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul
or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar
with the commands and promises of the
Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the
truth home, the character will not be trans-
formed. Without the enlightenment of the
Spirit, men will not be able to distinguish
truth from error, and they will fall under
the masterful temptations of Satan."-
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 408, 411.
13. With what earnest admonition
to His people did our Lord close His
discourse? Mark 13:33-37; Luke 21:
34-36.
NOTE.
-"Oh,
how many I saw In the
time of trouble without a shelter! They
had neglected the needful preparation,
therefore they could not receive the re-
freshing that all must have to fit them to
live in the sight of a holy God. Those who
refuse to be hewed by the prophets, and
fail to purify their souls in obeying the
whole truth, and who are willing to be-
lieve that their condition is far better than
it really is, will come up to the time of the
falling of the plagues, and then see that
they needed to be hewed and squared
for the building. But there will be no time
then to do it and no Mediator to plead
their cause before the Father."-Early
Writings,
page 71.
Lesson 6, for November 10, 1956
Jesus' Last Passover; A Transition Service
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 26:17-30; Mark
14:12-26;
Luke 22:1-27; John 13:1-30.
MEMORY VERSE:
"If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John
13:17.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 642-661; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of Octo-
ber 25.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey
❑
Sunday: Questions
1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-11; start read-
ing from Study Helps assign-
ment.
0
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; read
further from Study Helps
assignment.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. The Last Passover
1.
Preparation of the upper room.
Luke 22:7-13; Mark 14:12-16.
2.
Items included in the paschal meal.
Ex. 12:3, 6, 8, 11 ; Luke 22:17.
3.
Christ
tlie
true Passover. Mark
14:1, 2; Luke 22:1, 2; 1 Cor. 5:7.
4.
Marred by perfidy and strife.
Luke 22:3-6, 21-26.
II. A Cleansing Ordinance Instituted
5. Christ takes the place of a servant.
John 13:3-5.
6.
A spiritual cleansing. John 13:6-11,
7.
Necessity of heart searching:
1 Cor. 11:27-29.
8.
The divine example. John 13:12-17.
III. The Lord's Supper
9.
Instituted at the Passover table.
Matt. 26:26-28.
10.
Significance of the broken bread.
Luke 22:19.
11.
The symbolic cup. Luke 22:20.
12.
"In remembrance of Me."
1 Cor. 11:23-25.
13.
A promise of the coming king-
dom. Matt. 26:29; 1 Cor. 11:26.
I 20
THE LESSON
Nom.—"There was 'a strife among
them, which of them should be accounted
the greatest.' This contention, carried on
in the presence of Christ, grieved and
wounded Him. . . . When the disciples en-
tered the supper room, their hearts were
full of resentful feelings. Judas pressed
next to Christ on the left side; John was on
the right. If there was a highest place,
Judas was determined to have it, and that
place was thought to be next to Christ.
And Judas was a traitor."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 643, 644.
The Last Passover
1.
What preparations were made
for the last Passover that Jesus at-
tended? Luke 22:7-13; Mark 14:12-16.
2.
What items were to be included
in the paschal meal? Ex. 12:3, 6, 8, 11;
Luke 22:17.
NoTE.—"According to the Mishna [tra-
ditional doctrines of the Jews], the bitter
herbs (Ex. 12:8) might be endive, chicory,
wild lettuce, or nettles. . . . The sauce into
which the herbs, the bread, and the meat
were dipped as they were eaten (John 13:
26; Matt. 26:23) is not mentioned in the
Pentateuch. . . . There is no mention of
wine in connection with the Passover in the
Pentateuch; but the Mishna strictly en-
joins that there should never be less than
four cups of it provided at the paschal
meal."—Smith's Bible Dictionary,
article,
"Passover."
3.
How were events shaping up to
make this Passover especially signifi-
cant? Mark 14:1, 2; Luke 22:1, 2;
1 Cor. 5:7, last part.
Nora.—"Christ was standing at the point
of transition between two economies and
their two great festivals. He, the spotless
Lamb of God, was about to present Him-
self as a sin offering, and He would thus
bring to an end the system of types and
ceremonies that for four thousand years
had pointed to His death. As He ate the
Passover with His disciples, He instituted
in its place the service that was to be the
memorial of His great sacrifice. The na-
tional festival of the Jews was to pass
away forever. The service which Christ
established was to be observed by His fol-
lowers in all lands and through all ages."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 652.
4.
In what unprepared state did
this last Passover find the disciples?
Luke 22:3-6, 21-26.
A Cleansing Ordinance Instituted
5.
While the disciples were at the
Passover table, what service did Jesus
perform for them? John 13:3-5.
NoTE.—"How was Christ to bring these
poor souls where Satan would not gain
over them a decided victory? How could
He show that a mere profession of disci-
pleship did not make them disciples, or
ensure them a place in His kingdom? How
could He show that it is loving service, true
humility, which constitutes real greatness?
. . . This action opened the eyes of the
disciples. Bitter shame and humiliation
filled their hearts. They understood the
unspoken rebuke, and saw themselves in
altogether a new light."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 644.
6.
In Jesus' statement to Peter what
did He reveal as to the deeper mean-
ing of this service? John 13:6-11.
NoTE.—"These words mean more than
bodily cleanliness. Christ is still speaking
of the higher cleansing as illustrated by the
lower. He who came from the bath was
clean, but the sandaled feet soon became
dusty, and again needed to be washed. So
Peter and his brethren had been washed
in the great fountain opened for sin and
uncleanness. Christ acknowledged them
as His. But temptation had led them into
evil, and they still needed His cleansing
grace. When Jesus girded Himself with a
[211
JESUS
STOOD BETWEEN TWO GREAT
SERVICES. THE CHURCH WAS TO OBSERVE
THE LORDS SUPPER THROUGH ALL
AGES.
40U-6
towel to wash the dust from their feet, He
desired by that very act to wash the aliena-
tion, jealousy, and pride from their hearts.
This was of far more consequence than the
washing of their dusty feet."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 646.
7. As a preparation for the com-
munion service, how does Paul ex-
press the necessity of heart searching?
1 Cor. 11:27-29.
NOTE.—"This ordinance is Christ's ap-
pointed preparation for the sacramental
service. While pride, variance, and strife
for supremacy are cherished, the heart can-
not enter into fellowship with Christ. We
are not prepared to receive the communion
of His body and His blood. Therefore it
was that Jesus appointed the memorial of
His humiliation to be first observed. . . .
"The holy Watcher from heaven is pres-
ent at this season to make it one of soul
searching, of conviction of sin, and of the
blessed assurance of sins forgiven. Christ
in the fullness of His grace is there to
change the current of the thoughts that
have been running in selfish channels.
The Holy Spirit quickens the sensibilities
of those who follow the example of their
Lord. . . . Defects of character, neglect
of duties, ingratitude to God, coldness to-
ward our brethren, are called to remem-
brance. • . . Sins are confessed, they are
forgiven. The subduing grace of Christ
comes into the soul, and the love of Christ
draws hearts together in a blessed unity."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 650, 651.
8.
As their Master, what did Jesus
intend that His humble ministry
should be to His disciples? John 13:
12-17.
NOTE.—"That His people might not be
misled by the selfishness which dwells in
the natural heart, and which strengthens by
self-serving, Christ Himself set the example
of humility. . . . While they were con-
tending for the highest place, He to whom
every knee shall bow, He whom the angels
of glory count it honor to serve, bowed
down to wash the feet of those who called
Him Lord. He washed the feet of His be-
trayer. . .
"He served all, ministered to all. . . .
"Again and again Jesus had tried to es-
tablish this principle among His disciples.
. . . In My kingdom the principle of prefer-
ence and supremacy has no place. The
only greatness is the greatness of humility.
The only distinction is found in devotion
to the service of others."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 649, 650.
The Lord's Supper
9.
When and how did Jesus insti-
tute the Communion service? Matt.
26:26-28.
NOTE.—"Christ is still at the table on
which the paschal supper has been spread.
The unleavened cakes used at the Passover
season are before Him. The Passover
wine, untouched by fermentation, is on the
table. These emblems Christ employs to
represent His own unblemished sacrifice.
Nothing corrupted by fermentation, the
symbol of sin and death, could represent
the 'Lamb without blemish and without
spot.' 1 Peter
1:19."—The Desire of Ages,
page 653.
10.
What is represented by the
broken bread? Luke 22:19. Compare
John 6:48-51.
[ 22 ]
NoTE.—"The Jews were about to cele-
brate the Passover at Jerusalem, in com-
memoration of the night of Israel's deliver-
ance, when the destroying angel smote the
homes of Egypt. In the paschal lamb God
desired them to behold the Lamb of God,
and through the symbol receive Him who
gave Himself for the life of the world."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 388, 389.
11.
What is symbolized by the cup?
Luke 22:20.
NOTE.—"At the first feast He attended
with His disciples, Jesus gave them the cup
that symbolized His work for their salva-
tion. At the Last Supper He gave it again,
in the institution of that sacred rite by
which His death was to
be
shown. . . .
"The wine which Christ provided for the
feast, and that which He gave to the disci-
ples as a symbol of His own blood, was the
pure juice of the grape."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 149.
12.
As the church observes this
service, whom particularly are they
to keep in mind? 1 Cor. 11:23-25.
Compare John 6:54-57.
NoTE.—"To the holy Communion this
scripture [John 6:54-571 in a special sense
applies. As faith contemplates our Lord's
great sacrifice, the soul assimilates the
spiritual life of Christ. That soul will re-
ceive spiritual strength from every Com-
munion. . . .
"As we receive the bread and wine sym-
bolizing Christ's broken body and spilled
blood, we in imagination . . . witness the
struggle by which our reconciliation with
God was obtained. Christ is set forth cru-
cified among
us."—The Desire of Ages,
page
661.
13.
In addition to being a reminder
of Christ's death, what other purpose
is served in the observance of the
Lord's Supper? Matt. 26:29; 1 Cor.
11:26.
NoTE.—"The Communion service points
to Christ's second coming. It was designed
to keep this hope vivid in the minds of the
disciples. Whenever they met together to
commemorate His death, they recounted
how 'He took the cup, and gave thanks,
and gave it to them, saying, . . . I will not
drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine,
until that day when I drink it new with
you in My Father's kingdom.' In their
tribulation they found comfort in the hope
of their Lord's return. Unspeakably pre-
cious to them was the thought, 'As often
as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup,
ye do show the Lord's death till He come.'
1 Cor. 11:26."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
659.
Lesson 7, for November 17, 1956
Jesus Gives Final Instructions
LESSON SCRIPTURE:
John
14 to 17.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Let not your heart
be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also
in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would
have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a
place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I
am, there ye may be also." John 14:1-3.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 662-680; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of Novem-
ber 1.
23 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey. 0
ment.
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
Monday: Questions 5-7.
0 Thursday: Read further from Study
Tuesday: Questions 8-10; start read-
Helps assignment.
ing from Study Helps assign-
Friday: Review.
Check Here
0
Lesson Outline:
I. The Blessed Hope
1.
The promise of His return. John
14:1-3.
2.
The only way of life. John
14:5, 6.
3.
The request in His name. John
14:13; 16:23, 24.
4.
The conditions of answered
prayer. John 14:14, 15; 15:7.
II. Our Mighty Helper
5.
The Holy Spirit promised. John
14:16-18; 16:7.
6.
The work of the Spirit. John
14:26; 16:8-13.
7.
The power for witnessing. John
14:12; Acts 1:8.
8.
The legacy of joy and peace. John
14:27; 15:11; 16:33.
III. The True Vine
9.
The vine and branches. John
15:1, 5, first part.
10.
The secret of fruit bearing. John
15:2-8.
IV. Jesus' Prayer as He Approaches
Gethsemane
11.
He prays for Himself. John
17:1, 4-6.
12.
He prays for unity among His
disciples. John 17:11, 20-23;
13:35.
13.
He prays for sanctification of
believers. John 17:17-19, 24.
THE LESSON
The Blessed Hope
1.
As the hearts of the disciples
were troubled at the thought of His
departure, what words of hope did
Jesus leave with them? John 14:1-3.
2.
What question did Thomas raise?
What vital truth did the Master utter?
John 14:5, 6.
NcrrE.-"There are not many ways to
heaven. Each one may not choose his own
way. . . . Since the first gospel sermon
was preached, when in Eden it was de-
clared that the seed of the woman should
bruise the serpent's head, Christ had been
uplifted as the way, the truth, and the life.
He was the way when Adam lived, when
Abel presented to God the blood of the
slain lamb, representing the blood of the
Redeemer. Christ was the way by which
patriarchs and prophets were saved. He is
the way by which alone we can have access
to
God."-The Desire of Ages,
page 66.
3.
What assurance was given con-
cerning prayer?
John
14:13; 16:
23, 24.
Non.-"He [the
Saviour] explained
that the secret of their success would be
in asking for strength and grace in His
name. . . Every sincere prayer is heard
in heaven. It may not be fluently expressed;
but if the heart is in it, it will ascend to
the sanctuary where Jesus ministers, and
[ 24 ]
He will present it to the Father without
one awkward, stammering word, beautiful
and fragrant with the incense of His own
perfection."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 667.
4.
What does it mean to pray in
Christ's name? John 14:14, 15; 15:7.
NOTE.—"To pray in Christ's name means
much. It means that we are to accept His
character, manifest His spirit, and work
His works. The Saviour's promise is given
on condition. 'If ye love Me,' He says,
'keep My commandments.' He saves men,
not in sin, but from sin; and those who
love Him will show their love by obedience.
. . . If we consent, He will so identify
Himself with our thoughts and aims, so
blend our hearts and minds into conformity
to His will, that when obeying Him we
shall be but carrying out our own im-
pulses."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 668.
Our Mighty Helper
5.
What mighty Helper would
Christ ask His Father to send in His
stead? John 14:16-18; 16:7.
NoTE.—"The Holy Spirit is Christ's rep-
resentative, but divested of the personality
of humanity, and independent thereof.
Cumbered with humanity, Christ could
not be in every place personally. There-
fore it was for their interest that He
should go to the Father, and send the
Spirit to be His successor on earth. No
one could then have any advantage be-
cause of his location or his personal contact
with Christ. By the Spirit the Saviour
would be accessible to all. In this sense He
would be nearer to them than if He had
not ascended on high."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 669.
6.
What would be the work of the
Holy Spirit? John 14:26; 16:8-13.
NorE.—"The Holy Spirit was the high-
est of all gifts that He could solicit from
His Father for the exaltation of His people.
The Spirit was to be given as a regenerat-
ing agent, and without this the sacrifice of
Christ would have been of no avail.. .
Sin could be resisted and overcome only
through the mighty agency of the Third
Person of the Godhead, who would come
with no modified energy, but in the fullness
of divine power. . . . Through the Spirit
the believer becomes
a
partaker of the di-
vine nature. Christ has given His Spirit
as a divine power to overcome all heredi-
tary and cultivated tendencies to evil, and
to impress His own character upon the
church."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 671.
7.
Under the working of the Holy
Spirit, what results would surely fol-
low? John 14:12; Acts 1:8.
NOTE.—"Jesus revealed no qualities, and
exercised no powers, that men may not
have through faith in Him. His perfect
humanity is that which all His followers
may possess, if they will be in subjection to
God as He was.
"'And greater works than these shall he
do; because I go unto My Father.' By this
Christ did not mean that the disciples'
work would be of a more exalted character
than His, but that it would have greater
extent. He did not refer merely to miracle
working, but to all that would take place
under the working of the Holy Spirit."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 664.
8.
For the the time of tribulation,
what legacy did Jesus leave His peo-
ple? John 14:27; 15:11; 16:33.
NorE.—"At all times and in all places,
in all sorrows and in all afflictions, when
the outlook seems dark and the future per-
plexing, and we feel helpless and alone, the
Comforter will be sent in answer to the
prayer of faith. Circumstances may sepa-
rate us from every earthly friend; but no
circumstance, no distance, can separate us
from the heavenly Comforter. Wherever
we are, wherever we may go, He is always
at our right hand to support, sustain, up-
hold, and cheer."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 669, 670.
[ 25 ]
The True Vine
9.
How did our Lord illustrate the
relationship between Himself and
His disciples? John 15:1, 5, first part.
10.
What is the secret of abundant
fruit bearing, and of what is fruitful-
ness an evidence? John 15:2-8.
NoTE."The life of the vine will be man-
ifest in fragrant fruit on the branches. 'He
that abideth in Me,' said Jesus,. 'and I in
him, the same bringeth forth much fruit:
for without IVIe ye can do nothing.' When
we live by faith on the Son of God, the
fruits of the Spirit will be seen in our life;
not one will be missing. . . .
"The pruning will cause pain, but it is
the Father who applies the knife. He works
with no wanton hand or indifferent heart.
There are branches trailing upon the
ground; these must be cut loose from the
earthly supports to which their tendrils are
fastening. They are to reach heavenward,
and find their support in God. The exces-
sive foliage that draws away the life current
from the fruit must be pruned off. The
overgrowth must be cut out, to give room
for the healing beams of the Sun of Right-
eousness. The husbandman prunes away
the harmful growth, that the fruit may be
richer and more abundant."—The
Desire
of Ages,
pages 676, 677.
Jesus' Prayer as He Approaches
Gethsemane
11.
As Christ approached Geth-
semane and Calvary, what request did
He make of His Father? What did
He say of the task assigned Him? John
17:1, 4-6.
NcrrE.—"Before the world was.
There
could not be a more distinct and clear dec-
laration of the pre-existence of Christ than
this. It means before the creation of the
world; before there was any world."—
Albert Barnes,
Notes on the Gospels
(Har-
per and Brothers, 1876), vol: 2, p. 385.
PRUNING CAUSES PAIN,
BUT THE
CHRISTIAN NEEDS THE PROCESS TO
BEAR MUCH. FRUIT
FOR GOD.
-
12.
As Jesus was leaving His disci-
ples, what was the burden of His
prayer for them? What effect would
the unity of the believers have upon
the world? John 17:11, 20-23; 13:35.
13.
By what agency is the believer
sanctified and kept? What final re-
quest did Jesus make on behalf of His
people? John 17:17-19, 24.
NOTE.—"Let the student take the Bible
as his guide and stand firm for principle,
and he may aspire to any height of attain-
ment. All the philosophies of human nature
have led to confusion and shame when
God has not been recognized as all in all.
But the precious faith inspired of God im-
parts strength and nobility of character.
As His goodness, His mercy, and His love
are dwelt upon, clearer and still clearer
will be the perception of truth; higher,
holier, the desire for purity of heart and
clearness of thought. The soul dwelling in
the pure atmosphere of holy thought is
transformed by intercourse with God
through the study of His word. Truth is
so large, so far-reaching, so deep, so broad,
that self is lost sight of. The heart is soft-
ened and subdued into humility, kindness,
and
love."—The Ministry of Healing,
pages
465, 466.
[ 26 ]
Lesson 8, for November 24, 1956
Gethsemane
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 26:31-68; Mark 14:27-50; Luke 22:31-53; John 18:1-14.
MEMORY VERSE: "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit
indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." Matt. 26:41.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 685-697; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of No-
vember 8.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Helps assignment.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Helps assignment.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-13.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Wednesday: Read from Study
Lesson Outline:
I. Jesus Warns His Disciples
1.
Facing a night of test. Mark 14:27.
2.
Jesus' special warning to Peter.
Luke 22:31, 34.
3.
Peter's declaration of loyalty.
Mark 14:29-31; Luke 22:33.
4.
Jesus' comforting promise. Mark
14:28.
II. Jesus in Gethsemane
5.
A special prayer group. Matt.
26:36-38.
6.
Jesus prays, "Let this cup pass."
Matt. 26:39, 42, 44.
7.
The sleeping disciples. Matt.
26:40, 41, 43, 45.
8.
An angel strengthens Jesus for
final struggle. Luke 22:43, 44.
III. The Betrayal
9.
The mob seek Jesus. Matt. 26:47;
John 18:3-5.
10.
Divine power manifested. John
18:6.
11.
The traitor's kiss. Matt. 26:48-50;
Luke 22:47, 48.
12.
Peter's rash act. John 18:10, 11;
Matt. 26:51, 52.
13.
The Scriptures fulfilled. Matt.
26:54-56.
THE LESSON
Jesus Warns His Disciples
1. How did Jesus seek to prepare
His disciples for their coming trial
and disappointment? Mark 14:27.
NcrrE.-"Through the crowded streets
they made their way, passing out of the city
gate toward the Mount of Olives. Slowly
they proceeded, each busy with his own
thoughts. As they began to descend to-
ward the mount, Jesus said, in a tone of
deepest sadness, 'All ye shall be offended
because of Me this night: for it is written,
I
will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of
the flock shall be scattered abroad.' Matt.
26:31. The disciples listened in sorrow and
amazement. . . . In their self-confidence
they denied the repeated statement of Him
who knew. They were unprepared for the
test; when temptation should overtake
them, they would understand their own
weakness."-The Desire of Ages,
page 673.
2.
What special warning did Jesus
give to Peter? Luke 22:31, 34.
3.
What protestation of loyalty to
the Saviour did Peter make? Mark
14:29-31; Luke 22:33.
[27
]
NorE.—"When Peter said that he would
follow his Lord to prison and to death, he
meant it, every word of it; but he did not
know himself. Hidden in His heart were
elements of evil that circumstances would
fan into life. Unless he was made conscious
of his danger, these would prove his eternal
ruin. The Saviour saw in him a self-love
and assurance that would overbear even
his love for Christ. . . . Christ's solemn
warning was a call to heart searching."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 673.
4.
With what comforting promise
did Jesus seek to assure His disciples?
Mark 14:28. Compare John 16:20.
NorE.—" 'These things I have spoken
unto you,' He said, 'that in Me ye might
have peace. In the world ye shall have
tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have
overcome the world.' Christ did not fail,
neither was He discouraged, and His fol-
lowers are to manifest a faith of the same
enduring nature. They are to live as He
lived, and work as He worked, because they
depend on Him as the great Master Worker.
Courage, energy, and perseverance they
must possess. Though apparent impossi-
bilities obstruct their way, by His grace
they are to go forward. Instead of deplor-
ing difficulties, they are called upon to sur-
mount them. They are to despair of noth-
ing, and to hope for everything."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 679.
Jesus in Gethsemane
5.
Upon arrival at Gethsemane,
whom did Jesus take with Him to a
retired spot for prayer? What state-
ment and request indicated the crisis
He was facing? Matt. 26:36-38.
Nors.—"Now He [Christ] seemed to be
shut out from the light of God's sustaining
presence. Now He was numbered with the
transgressors. The guilt of fallen humanity
He must bear. Upon Him who knew no
sin must be laid the iniquity of us all. So
dreadful does sin appear to Him, so great
is the weight of guilt which He must bear,
that He is tempted to fear it will shut Him
out forever from His Father's love."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 685.
OUR SAVIOUR OFFERS PEACE,"NOT AS
THE WORLD
GIVETH,"
BUT TO CALM
THE TROUBLED HEART.
405,8
6.
Going a little way from His
companions, what anguished petition
did the Saviour make? Matt. 26:39,
42, 44.
NorE.—"As Christ felt His unity with
the Father broken up, He feared that in
His human nature He would be unable to
endure the coming conflict with the powers
of darkness. . . . Now the tempter had
come for the last fearful struggle. . . .
Everything was at stake with him. If he
failed here, his hope of mastery was lost.
. . . The conflict was terrible. . . . The sins
of men weighed heavily upon Christ, and
the sense of God's wrath against sin was
crushing out His
life."—The Desire of
Ages,
pages 686, 687.
7.
In what condition did Jesus find
the disciples? Matt. 26:40, 41, 43, 45.
NorE.—"In the supreme agony of His
soul, He [Christ] came to His disciples
with a yearning desire to hear some words
of comfort from those whom He had so
often blessed and comforted. . . . They did
not intend to forsake their Lord, but they
seemed paralyzed by a stupor which they
might have shaken off if they had con-
tinued pleading with God. They did not
realize the necessity of watchfulness and
earnest prayer in order to withstand temp-
tation. . . . Thus when the Saviour was in
[28]
need of their sympathy and prayers, they
were found asleep."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 687-689.
8.
In this crisis hour, who was sent
to strengthen Jesus? How. was His
intense agony revealed? Luke 22:
43, 44.
NoTE.—"The awful moment had come—
that moment which was to decide the des-
tiny of the world. The fate of humanity
trembled in the balance. Christ might even
now refuse to drink the cup apportioned to
guilty man. . • . Three times has humanity
shrunk from the last, crowning sacrifice.
... The woes and lamentations of a doomed
world rise before Him. He beholds its im-
pending fate, and His decision is made. He
will save men at any cost to Himself.. . .
"Having made the decision, He fell dying
to the ground. . . . In this awful crisis,
when everything was at stake, when the
mysterious cup trembled in the hand of the
sufferer, the heavens opened, a light shone
forth amid the stormy darkness of the
crisis hour, and the mighty angel who stands
in God's presence, occupying the position
from which Satan fell, came to the side of
Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 690-
693.
The Betrayal
9.
As Jesus and His disciples were
about to leave, who came to the gar-
den? Matt. 26:47; John 18:3-5.
10.
What was the effect on the mob
as divine glory was revealed? John
18:6.
NoTE.—"As these words were spoken, the
angel who had lately ministered to Jesus
moved between Him and the mob. A di-
vine light illuminated the Saviour's face,
and a dovelike form overshadowed Him. In
the presence of this divine glory, the mur-
derous throng could not stand for a mo-
ment. They staggered back. Priests, elders,
soldiers, and even Judas, fell as dead men
to the ground. The angel withdrew, and
the light faded
away."—The Desire of Ages,
page 694.
11.
With what sign did Judas be-
tray his Lord? How did Jesus re-
spond? Matt. 26:48-50; Luke 22:
47, 48.
NOTE.—"Judas the betrayer did not for-
get the part he was to act. When the mob
entered the garden, he had led the way,
closely followed by the high priest. To the
pursuers of Jesus he had given a sign, say-
ing, 'Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is
He: hold Him fast.' Matthew 26:48. Now
he pretends to have no part with them.
Coming close to Jesus, he takes His hand
as a familiar friend. With the words, 'Hail,
Master,' he kisses Him repeatedly, and ap-
pears to weep as if in sympathy with Him
in His peril.
"Jesus said to him, 'Friend, wherefore art
thou come?' His voice trembled with sor-
row as He added, 'Judas, betrayest thou the
Son of man with a kiss?' This appeal
should have aroused the conscience of the
betrayer, and touched his stubborn heart;
but honor, fidelity, and human tenderness
bad forsaken
him."—The Desire of Ages,
pages 695, 696.
12.
What principle did Jesus set
forth as He corrected Peter's rash act?
John 18:10, 11; Matt. 26:51, 52.
13.
What did the disciples do as
Christ referred to all this as but ful-
filling the Scriptures? Matt. 26:54-56.
Nora.—"The disciples were terrified as
they saw Jesus permit Himself to be taken
and bound. They were offended that He
should suffer this humiliation to Himself
and them. They could not understand His
conduct, and they blamed Him for sub-
mitting to the mob. In their indignation
and fear, Peter proposed that they save
themselves. Following this suggestion, 'they
all forsook Him, and fled.' But Christ had
foretold this desertion. 'Behold,' He had
said, 'the hour cometh, yea, is now come,
that ye shall be scattered, every man to his
own, and shall leave Me alone: and yet I
am not alone, because the Father is with
Me' John
16:32."—The Desire of. Ages,
page 697.
I 29 I
Lesson 9, for December 1, 1956
Christ Rejected of Men
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt.
26:57-75; 27:3-10;
Mark
14:53-72;
Luke 22:54-71; John
18:12-24.
MEMORY VERSE:
"Hereafter shall ye see the Son of man sitting on the right hand
of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven." Matt. 26:64.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 698-722; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of No-
vember 15.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps
assignment.
❑
Friday: Review.
Lesson Outline:
I. Before Annas and Caiaphas
1.
Christ before Annas. John 18:
12, 13.
2.
Before Caiaphas. John 18:24.
3.
Night trial by council. Matt.
26:59-62.
4.
Jesus testifies to His divinity.
Matt. 26:63, 64.
5.
Condemned by council. Matt.
26:65, 66.
6.
Inhuman treatment. Matt. 26:67,
68; Luke 22:63-65.
I. Peter Denies His Lord
7.
Peter follows afar off. Matt. 26:58.
8.
Peter's first denial. John 18:17, 18;
Matt. 26:69, 70; Mark 14:66-68.
9.
Peter's second and third denials.
Mark 14:69-71; Matt. 26:71-74.
10.
Peter's repentance. Luke 22:60-62.
III. The Fate of Judas
11.
The betrayer's contract. Matt.
26 : 14-16.
12.
Remorse and despair. Matt.
27:3-5.
13.
The potter's field. Matt. 27:6-10;
Zech. 11:12, 13; Acts 1:16-19.
THE LESSON
Before Annas and Caiaphas
1. After His arrest, where did they
lead Jesus? John 18:12, 13.
NoTE.-"Over the brook Kedron, past
gardens and olive groves, and through the
hushed streets of the sleeping city, they
hurried Jesus. It was past midnight, and
the cries. of the hooting mob that followed
Him broke sharply upon the still Air. The
Saviour was bound and closely guarded,
and He moved painfully. But in eager
haste His captors made their way with Him
to the palace of Annas, the ex-high priest.
. . . Christ was to be tried fOrtnally before
the Sanhedrin; but before Annas He was
subjected to a preliminary trial."-The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 698.
2. To whom did Annas send Christ?
John 18:24.
NoTE.-
,
--"Annas ordered JeSus
-
to be taken
to Caiaphas. Caiaphas belonged to the Sad-
ducees, some of whom were now the most
desperate enemies of Jesus. He himself,
though wanting in force of character, was
fully as severe, heartless, and unscrupulous
as was Annas. He would leave no means
untried to destroy Jesus."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 703.
3.
Arraigned before the council in
the court of Caiaphas, what false testi-
mony was borne against Jesus? Matt.
26:59-62.
Non.—"This He spoke of His body; they
perverted it, endeavoring to show that He
meant the temple at Jerusalem. They nei-
ther stated it as it was, nor did they state
correctly its meaning; nor did they agree
about the words used. . . . They had ut-
terly failed in their proof. They had no
way left to accomplish their purpose of ,
condemning Him, but to draw it from His
own lips."—Barnes,
Notes on the Gospels,
vol. 1,
p..347. -
4.
In his desperation, putting Jesus
on oath, what direct question did Cai-
aphas ask? What was the definite
reply? Matt. 26:63, 64.
Nora.—"In these words Christ presented
the reverse of the scene then taking place.
He, the Lord of life' and glory,I would bp
seated at God's right hand. He would be
the judge of all the earth, and from His
decision there would be no appeal. Then
every 'secret thing would be set in the light
of God's countenance, and judgment be
passed upon 'every man according 'to his
deeds....
"The words of Christ startled the high
priest. The thought that there was to be A
resurrection of the dead, when all would
stand at the bar of God, to be rewarded
according to their works, was a thought
of terror to Caiaphas. . . . For a moment
he felt as if standing before the eternal
Judge, whose eye, which sees all things,
was reading his soul, bringing to light
mysteries -supposed-to be hidden with the
dead."—The Desire of Akes,
page 708.
NOT
ALONE
BY OUTWARD FORMS OR BIBLE
STUDY IS THE LIFE TRULY TESTED WHAT WE
SAY REVEALS OUR INNER THOUGHTS.
4056-9
5.
In his fury, what significant act
did the high priest perform? What
was the verdict of the Sanhedrin?
Matt. 26:65, 66. •
Nora.—"In this act, done to influence the
judges and secure Christ's condemnation,
the high priest 'had condemned himself.
By the law of
-
God he was disqualified: for
the priesthood, . . . By those beautifuI'of
ficial
-
garments was represented the charac-
ter of the great antitype, Jesus Christ.
. . : No rent must 'be made in the priestly
robes, for this would mar the representation
of heavenly things. The high priest who
dared to appear'in holy office, and engage
in the service of the sanctuary, with a rent
robe, was looked upon as having severed
himself. from God."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 708, 709. ,See Leviticus 10:4.
6.
To what brutal treatment was
Christ now subjected? Matt. 26:67,
68; Luke 22:63-65.
Nora.—"The Sanhedrin had pronounced
Jesus worthy of death; but it was contrary
to the Jewish law to try a prisoner by
night. In legal condemnation nothing
could be done except in the light of day
and before a full session of - the council.
Notwithstanding this, the Saviour was now
131 ]
treated as a condemned criminal, and given
up to be abused by the lowest and vilest
of humankind. . . . Mercy and justice were
trampled upon. Never was prisoner treated
in so inhuman a manner as was the Son of
God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 710.
Peter Denies His Lord
7.
What is revealed concerning Pe-
ter while his Lord was being taken to
trial? Matt. 26:58. Compare John
18:15, 16.
8.
How did Peter react to his iden-
tification by the doormaid? John 18:
17, 18; Matt. 26:69, 70; Mark 14:
66-68.
NoTE.—"Many who do not shrink from
active warfare for their Lord are driven by
ridicule to deny their faith. By associating
with those whom they should avoid, they
place themselves in the way of tempta-
tion. They invite the enemy to tempt them,
and are led to say and do that of which
under other circumstances they would never
have been guilty. The disciple of Christ
who in our day disguises his faith through
dread of suffering or reproach denies his
Lord as really as did Peter in the judgment
hall."—The Desire of Ages,
page 712.
9.
How did Peter respond to the
second accusation? When he was con-
fidently identified by a servant of the
high priest, what degrading form did
Peter's third denial take? Mark 14:
69-71; Matt. 26:71-74.
NoTE.—"We should draw from it im-
portant practical uses: 1st. The danger of
self-confidence. He that thinketh he stand-
eth should take heed lest he fall. . . . 2d.
The highest favors, the most exalted privi-
leges, do not secure us from the danger of
falling into sin. . . . 3d. When a man
be-
gins
to sin, his fall from one act to another
is easy—perhaps almost certain."—Barnes,
Notes on the Gospels, vol.
1, p. 351.
10.
How was Peter reminded of
his Lord's prediction? What act of Je-
sus brought Peter to repentance? Luke
22:60-62.
NOTE.-"It was in sleeping when Jesus
bade him watch and pray that Peter had
prepared the way for his great sin. All
the disciples, by sleeping in that critical
hour, sustained a great loss. Christ knew
the fiery ordeal through which they were to
pass. He knew how Satan would work to
paralyze their senses that they might be
unready for the trial. Therefore it was
that He gave them warning. Had those
hours in the garden been spent in watch-
ing and prayer, Peter would not have been
left to depend upon his own feeble strength.
He would not have denied his Lord."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 713, 714. Compare
Revelation 3:10.
The Fate of Judas
11.
What contract had Judas made
with the priests? Matt. 26:14-16.
12.
When he saw that Christ was
submitting to His enemies, what dra-
matic confession did Judas make pub-
licly? In despair, what course did the
traitor take? Matt. 27:3-5.
NoTE.—For "repented himself," Wey-
mouth's translation reads, "smitten with
remorse."
"The word rendered
repented himself,
it
has been observed, does not of necessity de-
note a change
for the better,
but
any
change
of views and feelings. Here it evidently
means no other change than that produced
by the horrors of a guilty conscience, and
by deep remorse for crime at its unex-
pected results. It was not saving repent-
ance. That leads to a holy life—this led to
an increase of crime in his own death."—
Barnes,
Notes on the Gospels,
vol. 1, p. 352.
13.
What did the priests do with
the betrayal money? Unwittingly what
prophecy did they fulfill? Matt. 27:
6-10; Zech. 11:12, 13; Acts 1:16-19.
[32]
NoTE.-"As the trial drew to a close,
Judas could endure the torture of his guilty
conscience no longer. Suddenly a hoarse
voice rang through the hall, sending a thrill
of terror to all hearts: He is innocent;
spare Him, 0 Caiaphas!
"The tall form of Judas was now seen
pressing through the startled throng. His
face was pale and haggard, and great drops
of sweat stood on his forehead. Rushing
to the throne of judgment, he threw down
before the high priest the pieces of silver
that had been the price of his Lord's be-
trayal. Eagerly grasping the robe of Caia-
phas, he implored him to release Jesus, de-
claring that He had done nothing worthy
of death. Caiaphas angrily shook him off,
but was confused, and knew not what to
say. The perfidy of the priests was re-
vealed. It was evident that they had
bribed the disciple to betray his Master.
"
have sinned,' again cried Judas, 'in
that I have betrayed the innocent blood.'"
-The Desire of Ages,
pages 721, 722.
Lesson 10, for December 8, 1956
Jesus on Trial Before the Roman Law
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 27:1, 2, 11-30; Mark 15:1-19; Luke 23:1-25; John
19:1-15.
MEMORY VERSE:
"He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His
mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her
shears is dumb, so He openeth not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 723-740; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of No-
vember 22.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
reading from Study Helps
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
assignment.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Thursday: Read further from Study
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
0
Helps assignment.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 11-13; start
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline
I. Christ's First Appearance Before
Pilate
1.
Priests deliver Christ to Pilate.
Matt. 27:1, 2.
2.
False accusations. Luke 23:2.
3.
Christ explains nature of His
kingdom. John 18:33-38.
4.
Christ a Galilean. Luke 23:5-7.
II. Christ Before Herod
5.
Herod glad to see Jesus. Luke 23:8.
6.
Jesus is silent. Luke 23:9.
7.
Jesus is mocked. Luke 23:11.
III. Before Pilate the Second Time
8.
Without fault. Luke 23:13-16.
9.
Christ or Barabbas. Matt.
27:15-18, 20; Mark 15:6-11.
10.
"What shall I do then with
Jesus ?" Matt. 27:22.
11.
Jesus' shameful treatment. Luke
23:22 ; John 19:1-3 ; Mark
15:15-20.
12.
Pilate washes his hands. Matt.
27:24.
13.
The fatal choice. John 19:12-15.
[33
1
THE LESSON
Christ's First Appearance Before
Pilate
1.
Having condemned Jesus, to
whom did the priests deliver Him?
Matt. 27:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Under the Roman rule, the San-
hedrin could not execute the sentence of
death. They could only examine a prisoner,
and pass judgment, to be ratified by the
Roman authorities. . . . There were two
charges which the priests desired to main-
tain. If Jesus could be proved a blasphemer,
He would be condemned by the Jews. If
convicted of sedition, it would secure His
condemnation by the Romans. The second
charge Annas tried first to establish."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 698, 699.
2.
What false accusations did the
rulers of the Jews bring against Je-
sus? Luke 23:2.
3.
Questioned by Pilate, how did
Christ explain the nature of His king-
dom? What historic pronouncement
did Pilate make to the Jews? John
18:33-38.
NoTE.—"These words from a heathen
judge were a scathing rebuke to the perfidy
and falsehood of the rulers of Israel who
were accusing the Saviour."—The
Desire
of Ages,
page 727.
4.
In desperation, what charges did
the chief priests hurl at Jesus? At the
mention of Galilee, how did Pilate
seek to avoid responsibility? Luke
23:5-7.
NOTE.—"If Jesus were a Galilean, it
would be a graceful courtesy to send Him
to be tried, as a Galilean, before His own
prince, and would perhaps efface the grudge
Antipas had. . . . It would, moreover, get
him clear of a troublesome matter."—Gei-
kie,
The Life of Christ
(New York, John
B. Alden, 1889), pp. 762, 763.
Christ Before Herod
5.
Why was Herod glad to see Je-
sus? What did he hope to see Jesus
do? Luke 23:8.
NOTE.—"This Herod was he whose hands
were stained by the blood of John the
Baptist. . . .
"At the command of the king, the decrepit
and maimed were then called in, and Christ
was ordered to prove His claims by work-
ing a miracle. . . . The Son of God had
taken upon Himself man's nature. He must
do as man must do in like circumstances.
Therefore He would not work a miracle to
save Himself the pain and _humiliation that
man must endure when placed in a similar
position."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 728;
729.
6.
How did Jesus react to Herod's
many questions? Luke 23:9. Compare
Isa. 53:7.
NoTE.—"Herod was irritated by this si-
lence. It seemed to indicate utter indiffer-
ance to his authority. To the vain and
pompous king, open rebuke would have
been less offensive than to be thus ignored.
Again he angrily threatened Jesus, who still
remained unmoved and silent.
"The mission of Christ in this world was
not to gratify idle curiosity. He came to
heal the brokenhearted. Could He have
spoken any word to heal the bruises of sin-
sick souls, He would not have kept silent.
But He had no words for those who would
but trample the truth under their unholy
feet.
"Christ might have spoken words to
Herod that would have pierced the ears of
the hardened king. He might have stricken
him with fear and trembling by laying be-
fore him the full iniquity of his life, and
the horror of his approaching doom. But
[ 34 1
THE
MOST
IMPORTAN QUESTION
COMES TO EVERY MAN:
4
.„.,,, "WHAT SHALL I DO WITH JESUS
?"
Christ's silence was the severest rebuke
that He could have given. Herod had re-
jected the truth spoken to him by the
greatest of the prophets, and no other mes-
sage was he to receive. Not a word had the
Majesty of heaven for him. That ear that
had ever been open to human woe, had no
room for Herod's commands. Those eyes
that had ever rested upon the penitent sin-
ner in pitying, forgiving love had no look
to bestow upon Herod. Those lips that had
uttered the most impressive truth, that in
tones of tenderest entreaty had pleaded
with the most sinful and the most degraded,
were closed to the haughty king who felt
no need of a Saviour."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 730.
7.
Enraged by the silence of Jesus,
to what treatment did Herod subject
Him? Luke 23:11.
NOTE.—"The
Roman soldiers joined
in
this abuse. All that these wicked, corrupt
soldiers, helped on by Herod and the Jew-
ish dignitaries, could instigate was heaped
upon the Saviour. Yet His divine patience
failed not. . . . Herod was convicted. The
last rays of merciful light were shining
upon his sin-hardened heart. He felt that
this was no common man; for divinity had
flashed through humanity. At the very
time when Christ was encompassed by
mockers, adulterers, and murderers, Herod
felt that he was beholding a God upon His
throne.
"Hardened as he was, Herod dared not
ratify the condemnation of Christ. He
wished to relieve himself of the terrible
responsibility, and he sent Jesus back to the
Roman judgment
hall."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 731.
Before Pilate the Second Time
8.
How did Pilate report the find-
ings of Herod and himself regarding
Jesus? What did he propose to do
with the prisoner? Luke 23:13-16.
NoTE.—"Here Pilate showed his weak-
ness. He had declared that Jesus was inno-
cent, yet he was willing for Him to be
scourged to pacify His accusers. He would
sacrifice justice and principle, in order to
compromise with the mob. This placed
him at a disadvantage. The crowd presumed
upon his indecision, and clamored the more
for the life of the prisoner. If at the first
Pilate had stood firm, refusing to condemn
a man whom he found guiltless, he would
have broken the fatal chain that was to
bind him in remorse and guilt as long as' he
lived. . . . His wavering and indecision
proved his ruin."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 731, 732.
9.
To Pilate's offer, of a choice be-
tween Christ and Barabbas, what did
the people say? Matt. 27:15-18, 20;
Mark 15:6-11.
NoTE.—"Pilate now sent for Barabbas to
be brought into the court. He then pre-
sented the two prisoners side by side, and
pointing to the Saviour he said in a solemn
voice of entreaty, 'Behold the Man I' . . .
"There stood the Son of God, wearing
the robe of mockery and the crown, of
thorns. Stripped to the waist, His, back
showed the long, cruel stripes, from which
the blood flowed freely. His face was
stained with blood, and bore the marks of
exhaustion and pain. . . . Every feature ex-
pressed gentleness and resignation and the
tenderest pity for His cruel foes. . . . Every
line of the countenace of Barabbas-- pro-
claimed him the hardened' ruffian 'that he
[ 85 ]
was. The contrast spoke to every be-
holder. . . . Even the priests and rulers
were convicted that He [Jesus] was all
that He claimed to
be."—The Desire of
Ages,
page 735.
10.
As they insisted on their choice
of Barabbas, what vital question did
Pilate raise? What was their answer?
Matt. 27:22.
NOTE.—"What shall I do with Jesus who
is called Christ?" (R.S.V.) Pilate had to
do something with Him. The Jews could
not escape the answer to that question.
Everyone must answer the question. No
other decision goes so deep down into life
and so far out into eternity.
11.
Overridden by the clamor of
the mob, to what unjust punishment
did Pilate subject the Saviour? Luke
23:22; John 19:1-3; Mark 15:15-20.
Nogg.—"The unhappy sufferer was pub-
licly stripped, was tied by the hands in a
bent position to a pillar, and then, on the
tense quivering nerves of the naked back,
the blows were inflicted with leathern
thongs, weighted with jagged edges of bone
and lead. . : . It was a punishment so
hideous that, under its lacerating agony, the
victim generally fainted, often died."—
Farrar,
The Life of Christ,
page 624.
12.
By what act did Pilate seek to
free himself of responsibility for the
crucifixion of our Lord? Man. 27:24.
NoTE.—"Pilate yielded to the demands of
the mob. Rather than risk losing his posi-
tion, he delivered Jesus up to be crucified.
But in spite of his precautions, the very
thing that he dreaded afterward came upon
him. His honors were stripped from him,
he was cast down from his high office, and,
stung by remorse and wounded pride, not
long after the crucifixion he ended his own
life. So all who compromise with sin will
gain only sorrow and ruin."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 738.
13.
As Pilate put forth a final effort
to release Jesus, what question of loy-
alty to Caesar was raised by the Jews?
In rejecting Christ, what fateful choice
did they make? John 19:12-15.
NorE.—"Thus by choosing a heathen
ruler, the Jewish nation had withdrawn
from the theocracy. They had rejected God
as their king. Henceforth they had no de-
liverer. They had no king but Ceasar. To
this the priests and teachers had led the
people. For this, with the fearful results
that followed, they were responsible. A
nation's sin and a nation's ruin were due
to the religious leaders."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 737, 738.
Lesson 11, for
.
December 15, 1956
Ca Iva ry
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt.
27:31-53; Mark 15:20-38; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:
16-30.
MEMORY VERSE: "He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our
iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes
we are healed." Isa. 53:5.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 741-764; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of No-
vember 29.
[36)
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions
8-11.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 12, 13; start
Check Here
reading from Study Helps
assignment.
0
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
Friday: Review.
0
Lesson Outline:
I. The Crucifixion
1.
Jesus nailed to the cross. Mark
15:22, 25, 27; Luke 23:33.
2.
Jesus prays for His enemies. Luke
23:34.
3.
The inscription. John 19:19-22.
II. On the Cross
4.
Fulfilling scriptures. Matt. 27:34,
35; John 19:23, 24; Ps. 22:18;
69:21.
5.
Jesus reviled and mocked. Matt.
27:39-44; Ps. 22:8.
6.
The penitent thief. Luke 23:39-42.
7. Saved on the cross. Luke 23:43.
8. Jesus provides for His mother.
John 19:25-27.
III. It Is Finished
9. Supernatural darkness. Matt.
27:45.
10. Bearing the sins of the world.
Matt. 27:46, 47.
11. The supreme sacrifice. John
19:28-30; Luke 23:46.
IV. Type Meets Antitype
12. Type fulfilled. Ex. 12:6, margin;
Matt. 27:46, 50.
13. Inner veil rent. Mark 15:37, 38;
Matt. 27:50, 51.
THE LESSON
The Crucifixion
1. Where was Jesus crucified, and
at what hour? Who were crucified
with Him? Mark 15:22, 25, 27; Luke
23:33.
NoTE.-"Arriving at the place of execu-
tion, the prisoners were bound to the instru-
ments of torture. . . . As soon as Jesus was
nailed to the cross, it was lifted by strong
men, and with great violence thrust into the
place prepared for it. This caused the most
intense agony to the Son of God."-The
Desire of Ages,
pages 744, 745.
"This punishment was deemed the most
disgraceful and ignominious that was prac-
ticed among the Romans. It was the way
in which slaves, robbers, and the most no-
torious and abandoned wretches were com-
monly put to death. . . . As it was the
most ignominious punishment known, so it
was the most painful."-Barnes,
Notes on
the Gospels, vol.
1, p. 363.
2.
What prayer did the Saviour of-
fer for His enemies? Luke 23:34.
NoTE.-"Racked by the extremest pain,
and covered with every shame which men
were wont to heap on the greatest crimi-
nals; forsaken and denied by His disciples;
no sigh escaped His lips, no cry of agony,
no bitter or faltering word; only a prayer
for the forgiveness of His enemies. They
had acted in blindness, under the impulse of
religious and political fanaticism. . . . His
prayer that His heavenly Father would
pardon them was only a last utterance of
the love of which He had been the embodi-
ment and expression through life."-Geikie,
The Life of Christ
(New York,
John
B.
Alden, 1889),
p.
780.
3.
What protest did the chief priests
make concerning the inscription Pi-
late placed on the cross? How
did
Pilate reply? John 19:19-22.
137
7
IN
THE SHADOW
OF THE CROSS WE SEE
OUR NEED
AND THE
EXCEEDING SINFULNESS
OF
OUR
LIVES.
NorE.—"In Pilate's court they had cried,
`Crucify Him !"We have no king but
Caesar.' . . . They had declared that who-
ever should acknowledge any other king
was a traitor. Pilate wrote out the senti-
ment they had expressed. . . The inscrip-
tion was a virtual acknowledgment of the
allegiance of the Jews to the Roman power.
It declared that whoever might claim to be
the King of Israel, would be judged by
them worthy of death. . . . In the provi-
dence of God, it was to awaken thought,
and investigation of the Scriptures. . . .
Thousands of people from all lands were
then at Jerusalem, and the inscription de-
claring Jesus of Nazareth the Messiah would
come to their notice."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 745, 746.
On the Cross
4.
When offered the customary stu-
pefying potion, what did Jesus do?
How were His garments divided, and
what scriptures were thus fulfilled?
Matt. 27:34, 35; John 19:23, 24; Ps.
22:18; 69:21.
NorE.—"He [Jesus] would receive noth-
ing that could becloud His mind. His faith
must keep fast hold upon God. This was
His only strength. To becloud His senses
would give Satan an advantage."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 746.
5.
To what reviling and mocking
was the Son of God subjected? How
were these mockers fulfilling proph-
ecy? Matt. 27:39-44; Ps. 22:8.
NorE.—"Although spoken in mockery,
these words led men to search the Scriptures
as they had never done before. Wise men
heard, searched, pondered, and prayed.
There were those who never rested until, by
comparing scripture with scripture, they
saw the meaning of Christ's mission. Never
before was there such a general knowledge
of Jesus as when He hung upon the cross."
—The Desire of Ages,
page 749.
6.
How did one of the thieves ad-
monish his associate? Under deep
convicton, what appeal did the dying
thief make? Luke 23:39-42.
NorE.—"He [the thief] calls to mind all
he has heard of Jesus, how He has healed
the sick and pardoned sin. . . . The Holy
Spirit illuminates his mind, and little by
little the chain of evidence is joined to-
gether. In Jesus, bruised, mocked, and
hanging upon the cross, he sees the Lamb
of God, that taketh away the sin of the
world. Hope is mingled with anguish in
his voice as the helpless, dying soul casts
himself upon a dying Saviour."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 750.
7.
In that darkest hour, what
blessed assurance was given to the
penitent thief? Luke 23:43.
NOTE.—"And
Jesus said to him, 'Verily
to you I am saying today, with Me you
shall be in the paradise.'"—Concordant Ver-
sion of the Sacred Scriptures.
"Christ did not promise that the thief
should be with Him in Paradise that day.
He Himself did not go that day to Para-
dise. He slept in the tomb, and on the
morning of the resurrection He said, am
not yet ascended to My Father.' . . . But
on the day of the crucifixion, the day of
apparent defeat and darkness, the promise
was given. 'Today' while dying upon the
88
cross as a malefactor, Christ assures the
poor sinner, Thou shalt be with Me in Par-
adise."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 751.
8.
What devoted women are noted
as standing at the foot of the cross?
With what tender words did Jesus
commit His widowed mother to the
care of the beloved disciple? John 19:
25-27.
NoTE.—"O pitiful, loving Saviour; amid
all His physical pain and mental anguish,
He had a thoughtful care for His mother!
. . . The perfect example of Christ's filial
love shines forth with undimmed luster
from the mist of ages. . . . Those who fol-
low Christ will feel that it is a part of
their religion to respect and provide for
their parents. From the heart where His
love is cherished, father and mother will
never fail of receiving thoughtful care and
tender sympathy."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 752.
It Is Finished
9.
From the sixth hour to the ninth,
what supernatural phenomenon is re-
corded? Matt. 27:45.
NorE.—"Inanimate nature expressed sym-
pathy with its insulted and dying Author.
The sun refused to look upon the awful
scene. . . . In the thick darkness, God
veiled the last human agony of His Son.
•
. A nameless terror held the throng
that was gathered about the cross. . . .
Priests, rulers, scribes, executioners, and
the mob, all thought that their time of
retribution had come."—The
Desire of
Ages,
pages 753, 754.
10. What anguished cry came from
the lips of the Saviour? How did
some misunderstand? Matt. 27:46, 47.
Compare Ps. 22:1; Isa. 53:5.
N0TE.—"The guilt of every descendant of
Adam was pressing upon His heart. The
wrath of God against sin, the terrible mani-
festation of His displeasure because of iniq-
uity, filled the soul of His Son with con-
sternation. . . . The withdrawal of the
divine countenance . . . in this hour of su-
preme anguish, pierced His heart with a
sorrow that can never be fully understood
by man. . . . He feared that sin was so of-
fensive to God that their separation was to
be eternal. Christ felt the anguish which
the sinner will feel when mercy shall no
longer plead for the guilty race."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 753.
11.
What response was made to the
Saviour's expression of thirst? What
were His last words as He died upon
the cross? John 19:28-30; Luke 23:46.
NoTE.—"Christ did not yield up His life
till He had accomplished the work which
He came to do, and with His parting
breath He exclaimed, 'It is finished.' John
19:30. The battle had been won. . . . Sa-
tan was defeated, and knew that his king-
dom was lost."
"Well, then, might the angels rejoice as
they looked upon the Saviour's cross; for
though they did not then understand all,
they knew that the destruction of sin and
Satan was forever made certain, that the
redemption of man was assured, and that
the universe was made eternally secure."—
The Desire of
Ages,.pages 758, 764.
Type Meets Antitype
12.
How precisely was type ful-
filled as to the time of our Lord's
death? Ex. 12:6, margin; Matt. 27:
46, 50.
NOTE.—"The great paschal Lamb, Jesus,
died at the very hour the lamb was to be
offered, between the evenings, about three
o'clock in the afternoon."—F. C. Gilbert,
Practical Lessons From the Experiences of
Israel,
page 234.
"These types were fulfilled, not only as
to the event, but as to the time. On the
fourteenth day of the first Jewish month,
the very day and month on which for
fifteen long centuries, the Passover lamb
[ 39 ]
had been slain, Christ, having eaten the
Passover with His disciples, instituted that
feast which was to commemorate His own
death as 'the Lamb of God which taketh
away the sin of the world.' That same
night He was taken by wicked hands, to be
crucified and slain."-The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 399.
13. At the death of Christ, what
supernatural happening signified the
end of the typical services in the
earthly sanctuary? Mark 15:37, 38;
Matt. 27:50, 51.
NOTE.
-"With
a rending noise the inner
veil of the temple is torn from top to bot-
tom by an unseen hand, throwing open to
the gaze of the multitude a place once
filled with the presence of God. . . . The
most holy place of the earthly sanctuary is
no longer sacred.
"All is terror and confusion. The priest is
about to slay the victim; but the knife
drops from his nerveless hand, and the lamb
escapes. Type has met antitype in the
death of God's Son. . . . Henceforth the
Saviour was to officiate as priest and advo-
cate in the heaven of heavens."-The
Desire
of Ages,
page 757.
Lesson 12, for December 22, 1956
The Burial and Resurrection of Jesus
LESSON SCRIPTURES: Matt. 27:57 to 28:15; Mark 15:42 to 16:11; Luke 23:50 to
24:12; John 19:31 to 20:18.
MEMORY VERSE: "I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for
evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." Rev. 1:18.
STUDY HELPS: "The Desire of Ages," pages 769-794; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of De-
cember 6.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9-13.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Start reading Study
Helps assignment.
0
Thursday: Read further from Study
Helps assignment.
0
Friday: Review.
Lesson Outline:
I.
The Burial of Jesus
1.
Jewish leaders' request. John
19:31, 32.
2.
The pierced side. John 19:33-37;
Num. 9:12 ; Ps. 34:20; Zech.
12:10.
3.
In Joseph's new tomb. Matt.
27:57-60; Mark 15:42-46;
John 19:38-42.
4.
The guarded tomb. Matt. 27:62-66.
5.
Sabbath rest. Luke 23:54-56.
II. The Resurrection of Jesus
6. Jesus rises the third day. Matt.
28:1-4.
7.
A lying report. Matt. 28:11-15.
8.
The wave sheaf. Lev. 23:10, 11;
1 Cor. 15:20; Matt. 27:52, 53.
III. The Empty Tomb
9.
First at the tomb. John 20:1,
2.
10.
The other women. Mark 16:1-8;
Luke 24:1-8.
11.
Peter and John at the tomb. John
20:3-10.
12.
Christ appears first to Mary Mag-
dalene. John 20:11-15.
13.
Christ appears to the women.
Matt. 28:9, 10; Luke 24:10, 11.
40
The Burial of Jesus
1. As the Sabbath drew near, what
request did the Jewish leaders make
of Pilate? What was done to the two
thieves? John 19:31, 32.
THE LESSON
condemned, and persons put to death for
this offense were consigned to a burial
ground especially provided for such crimi-
nals. . . .
"In this emergency, Joseph of Arima-
thea and Nicodemus came to the help of
the disciples. Both these men were mem-
bers of the Sanhedrin, and were acquainted
with Pilate. Both were men of wealth and
influence. They were determined that the
body of Jesus should have an honorable
burial."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 773.
4. Recalling Jesus' prediction of
His resurrection, what request did the
Jewish leaders make of Pilate? What
measures were taken to guard the
tomb? Matt. 27:62-66.
NOTE.—"The priests and rulers were not
at rest. . . . They dreaded the dead Christ
more, far more, than they had ever feared
the living Christ. They dreaded to have
the attention of the people directed any
further to the events attending His cruci-
fixion. They feared the results of that day's
work. Not on any account would they
have had His body remain on the cross
during the Sabbath."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 771.
2.
What did the soldiers refrain
from doing to Jesus? Why? To make
sure of His death, what did one sol-
dier do? How were the Scriptures
fulfilled? John 19:33-37; Num. 9:12;
Ps. 34:20; Zech. 12:10.
NOTE.—"It was not the spear thrust, it
was not the pain of the cross, that caused
the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered 'with
a loud voice,' . . . at the moment of death,
the stream of blood and water that flowed
from His side, declared that He died of a
broken heart. His heart was broken by
mental anguish. He was slain by the sin of
the world."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 772.
"It was the sense of sin, bringing the
Father's wrath upon Him as man's substi-
tute, that made the cup He drank so bit-
ter, and broke the heart of the Son of God."
—Ibid.,
p. 753.
3.
Who secured Pilate's permission
to give Jesus an honorable burial?
What assistance was rendered by Nic-
odemus? How was prophecy again
fulfilled? Matt. 27:57-60; Mark 15:
42-46; John 19:38-42.
NoTE.—"Treason against the Roman gov-
ernment was the crime for which Jesus was
NOTE.—"He was adjudged to be dead
by the Jews themselves. . . .
He was bur-
ied alone; the place of His sepulcher was
made
sure—expressly to prevent His being
removed;
and they placed around Him a
guard, in their own judgment large enough
to prevent His being taken away by force
or strength. His very enemies, therefore,
took every possible precaution to place His
resurrection beyond the possibility of sus-
picion of fraud and imposture, and those
precautions were the very means of furnish-
ing the most striking proof that His death,
burial, and resurrection were not imposi-
tions, but most affecting, awful, and yet
cheering realities."—Barnes,
Notes on the
Gospels, vol. 1,
p.
371.
5. Having observed the place of
His burial, what did certain devoted
women do? How precisely is the Sab-
bath identified? Luke 23:54-56.
NoTE.—"And thus the Redeemer was left
—pale, but victorious—to sleep through the
Sabbath."—Geikie,
The Life of Christ
(New
York, John B. Alden, 1889), p. 791.
"His work completed, His hands folded
in peace, He rested through the sacred
hours of the Sabbath day. In the beginning
the Father and the Son had rested upon
the Sabbath after Their work of creation.
. . . Now Jesus rested from the work of
[ 41 ]
WHY DO WE SORROW AND MOURN
WHEN WE HAVE A RISEN SAVIOUR
PLEADING FOR US IN HEAVEN?
redemption; and though there was grief
among those who loved Him on earth, yet
there was joy in heaven. . . . When there
shall be a 'restitution of all things, which
God hath spoken by the mouth of all His
holy prophets since the world began' (Acts
3:21), the creation Sabbath, the day on
which Jesus lay at rest in Joseph's tomb,
will still be a day of rest and rejoicing."—
The Desire of Ages,
pages 769, 770. See
Isaiah 66:22, 23.
The Resurrection of Jesus
6.
How long did Jesus remain in
the tomb? What effect did the angel
have upon the Roman guard? Matt.
28:1-4.
NoTE.—"An earthquake marked the hour
when Christ laid down His life, and another
earthquake marked the moment when He
took it up in triumph. He who had van-
quished death and the grave came forth
from the tomb with the tread of a con-
queror, amid the reeling of the earth, the
flashing of lightning, and the roaring of
thunder. When He shall come to the earth
again, He will shake 'not the earth only,
but also heaven.' . . . Mountains piled
upon mountains over His sepulcher could
not have prevented Him from coming
forth."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 780, 781.
7.
What lying report did the Jew-
ish leaders bribe the soldiers to
give?
Matt. 28:11-15.
NoTE.—"The chief priests and rulers sent
for them to be brought first into their
presence. A strange appearance those sol-
diers presented. Trembling with fear, their
faces colorless, they bore testimony to the
resurrection of Christ. The soldiers told all,
just as they had seen it; they had not had
time to think or speak anything but the
truth. . . . They came in before the priests
burdened with a most startling message of
truth; they went out with a burden of
money, and on their tongues a lying report
which had been framed for them by the
priests."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 781,
782.
8.
How was the type of the sheaf
of the first fruits fulfilled as to time
and event? What special group bore
witness of the resurrection to many?
Lev. 23:10, 11; 1 Cor. 15:20; Matt.
27:52, 53.
NoTE.—"Christ arose from the dead as
the first fruits of those that slept. He was
the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His
resurrection took place on the very day
when the wave sheaf was to be presented
before the Lord. . . . The sheaf dedicated
to God represented the harvest. . . . His
resurrection is the type and pledge of the
resurrection of all the righteous dead. . . .
As Christ arose, He brought from the grave
a multitude of captives. . . . They were
those who had been colaborers with God,
and who at the cost of their lives had borne
testimony to the truth. . . . They ascended
with Him as trophies of His victory over
death and the grave."—The
Desire of Ages,"
pages 785, 786.
"He presents to God the wave sheaf,
those raised with Him as representatives of
that great multitude who shall come forth
from the grave at His second coming."—
Ibid.,
p. 834.
The Empty Tomb
9.
In the early morning of the first
day of the week, who was the first to
arrive at the tomb? John 20:1, 2.
[42
1
10.
What problem concerned the
other women as they approached the
sepulcher? What joyful message did
two angels give them for the eleven?
Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-8.
NoTE.—" 'Tell His disciples and Peter,'
the angels said. . . . His shameful denial
of the Lord, and the Saviour's look of love
and anguish, were ever before him. . . . To
him the assurance is given that his repent-
ance is accepted and his sin forgiven. He is
mentioned by
name."—The Desire of Ages,
page 793.
11.
On hearing Mary Magdalene's
report, what did Peter and John im-
mediately do? What did they note
concerning the graveclothes? John 20:
3-10.
NOTE
.—"Here was testimony that He had
risen. The graveclothes were not thrown
heedlessly aside, but carefully folded, each
in a place by itself. . . . It was the Sav-
iour's hand that folded each, and laid it in
its place. In His sight who guides alike the
star and the atom, there is nothing unim-
portant. Order and perfection are seen in
all His work."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
789.
12.
As the weeping Mary looked
into the sepulcher, what did she see
and hear? What question was ad-
dressed to her by the one she supposed
to be the gardener? How did she ex-
plain her sorrow? John 20:11-15.
NOTE.—"In the garden, Mary had stood
weeping, when Jesus was close beside her.
Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she
did not discern Him. And the hearts of the
disciples were so full of grief that they did
not believe the angels' message or the words
of Christ Himself.
"How many are still doing what these
disciples did . . . To how many might the
Saviour's words be spoken, 'Why weepest
thou? Whom seekest thou?' He is close
beside them, but their tear-blinded eyes do
not discern Him. He speaks to them, but
they do not understand. . . . He lives to
make intercession for us. Grasp this hope,
and it will hold the soul like a sure, tried
anchor. Believe, and thou shalt see the
glory of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page
794.
13.
What homage did our Lord
later accept from the group of
women? For the third time what
message was sent to the disciples?
How did they regard the women's
story? Matt. 28:9, 10; Luke 24:10, 11.
NoTE.—"Jesus refused to receive the
homage of His people until He had the
assurance that His sacrifice was accepted by
the Father. He ascended to the heavenly
courts, and from God Himself heard the
assurance that His atonement for the sins of
men had been ample, that through His
blood all might gain eternal life. The Fa-
ther ratified the covenant made with Christ,
that He would receive repentant and obe-
dient men, and would love them even as
He loves His Son. . . . All power in heaven
and on earth was given to the Prince of life,
and He returned to His followers in a
world of sin, that He might impart to them
of His power and glory."—The
Desire of
Ages,
page 790.
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in
the following foreign languages: Bohemian, Danish-Norwegian,
German, Hungarian, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbian, Slovakian,
Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugoslavian. Write to the Inter-
national Branch of the Pacific Press at Brookfield, Illinois, for any
of these quarterlies for the strangers within your gates.
[
43]
Lesson 13, for December 29, 1956
Forty Days of Fellowship Following Christ's Passion
LESSON SCRIPTURES:
Matt. 28:16-20; Mark 16:12-20; Luke 24:13-53; John 20:19-
31; 21:1-26; Acts 1:2-11.
MEMORY VERSE:
"All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth. Go ye there-
fore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatso-
ever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end
of the world." Matt. 28:18-20.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," pages 795-835; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," volume 5; Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of De-
cember 13.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 7-10.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
❑
Thursday: Read Study Helps assign-
ment.
❑
Friday: Review.
❑
Lesson Outline:
I. The Walk to Emmaus
1.
Jesus questions two disciples.
Luke
24:13-24.
2.
Jesus instructs them. Luke
24:25-27.
3.
The disciples recognize Him. Luke
24:28-32.
II. In the Upper Room
4.
Report to
the disciples.
Luke
24:33-36; John 20:19.
5.
Jesus appears to the disciples.
Luke
24:37-43.
6.
Jesus expounds the prophecies.
Luke 24:44-48; John 20:21-23.
III. Other Appearances
7.
Doubting Thomas. John 20:24-28.
8.
By the sea. John 21:1-6, 11.
9.
The great Provider. John 21:7-14.
10.
Peter's confession and commission.
John 21:15-19.
IV. Christ's Ministry Draws to a Close .
11.
The divine commission. Matt.
28:16-20; 1 Cor. 15:6.
12.
Power for witnessing. Luke
24:49; Mark 16:17, 18;
Acts
1:4,
5, 8.
13.
Jesus returns to heaven. Luke
24:50-53; Acts 1:3, 9-11.
THE LESSON
The Walk to Emmaus
1. As Jesus joined two disciples on
the way to Emmaus, what inquiry did
He make? How did they explain the
cause of their sadness? Luke 24:13-24.
2. What did the Stranger indicate
to be the cause of their disappoint-
ment? How did He proceed to give
them convincing proof of. Christ's
Messiahship? Luke 24:25-27.
44
NOTE.—"In teaching these disciples, Je-
sus showed the importance of the Old Tes-
tament as a witness to His mission. Many
professed Christians now discard the Old
Testament, claiming that it is no longer of
any use. But such is not Christ's teaching.
So highly did He value it that at one time
He said, 'If they hear not Moses and the
prophets, neither will they be persuaded,
though one rose from the dead.' . . .
"It is the light from the prophetic past
that brings out the life of Christ and the
teachings of the New Testament with clear-
ness and beauty. The miracles of Christ
are a proof of His divinity; but a stronger
proof that He is the world's Redeemer is
found in comparing the prophecies of the
Old Testament with the history of the
New."—The Desire of Ages,
page 799.
3.
How did Christ reveal Himself
to these two disciples? As He vanished
from their presence, what did they
recall? Luke
-
24:28-32.
NorE.—"Had the disciples failed to press
the invitation, they would not have known
that their traveling companion was the risen
Lord. Christ never forces His company
upon anyone. He interests Himself in those
who need Him. Gladly will He enter the
humblest home, and cheer the lowliest
heart. But if men are too indifferent to
think of the heavenly Guest, or ask Him to
abide with them, He passes on. Thus many
meet with great os
s."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 800.
In the Upper Room
4.
Realizing that they had seen Je-
sus, where did Cleopas and his com-
panion go? As they were recounting
their experience, who suddenly. ap-
peared? Luke 24:33-36; John 20:19.
Nom—"The countenance of the risen
Saviour, His manner, His speech, were all
to His disciples. As Jesus arose
from the dead, so .those
-
who sleep in Him
are to rise again. We shall know our
friends, even as the disciples knew Jesus.
They may have been deformed, diseased, or
disfigured, in this mortal life, and they rise
in perfect
-
health and symmetry; yet in the
CHRIST'S MESSAGE IS THE SAME AFTER NINE-
TEEN HUNDRED
YEARS: "GO,...TEACH
BAPTIZING THEM:..,I AM WITH YOU ALWAY."
glorified body their identity will be per-
fectly preserved. Then shall we know even
as also we are known. . . . In the face ra-
diant with the light shining from the face
of Jesus, we shall recognize the lineaments
of those we love."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 804.
5.
What effect did the appearance
of their risen Lord have upon the dis-
ciples? What physical evidences did
He giVe? Luke 24:37-43.
NorE.—"Nothing could be more amazing
than the result of such a sight of Him thus
glorified, on the apostles. From despair they
passed at once to triumphant confidence—
from incapacity to believe that the Messiah
could have suffered as He had done to the
most fervent and exulting faith in Him as
the Messiah, on account of these very suf-
ferings. They became, suddenly, men into
whom the very spirit of Christ seemed to
have passed; their spiritual nature had been
wholly changed, and they were bound to
Him, henceforth, with a deathless, and
ecstatic devotion."—Geikie,
The Life of
Christ
(New York, John B. Alden, 1889),
p. 804.
6.
Referring to the prophecies re-
lating to His sufferings, death, and
resurrection, what solemn responsibil-
ity did Jesus place upon the disciples?
Luke 24:44-48; John 20:21-23.
f46]
NOTE.—" Whosesoever sins ye remit,' said
Christ, 'they are remitted; . . . and whose-
soever sins ye retain, they are retained.' . . .
Toward those who fall into sin, the church
has a duty, to warn, to instruct, and if pos-
sible to restore. . . . Declare what God
has said in regard to lying, Sabbathbreak-
ing, stealing, idolatry, and every other evil.
`They which do such things shall not inherit
the kingdom of God.' . . . If they persist
in sin, the judgment you have declared from
God's word is pronounced upon them in
heaven. In choosing to sin, they disown
Christ; the church must show that she does
not sanction their deeds, or she herself dis-
honors her Lord. . . . She must deal with
it as God directs, and her action is ratified
in heaven. . . . Let the shepherds have a
tender care for the flock of the Lord's pas-
ture. Let them speak to the erring of the
forgiving mercy of the Saviour. Let them
encourage the sinner to repent, and believe
in Him who can pardon. . . . Let the re-
pentance of the sinner be accepted by the
church with grateful hearts. . . . Such a
remission is ratified in heaven."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
pages 805, 806.
Other Appearances
7.
How emphatically did Thomas
express his doubts? Appearing eight
days later when Thomas was present,
what did Jesus invite him to do? What
joyful acknowledgment did Thomas
make? John 20:24-28.
NOTE.—"Many who, like Thomas, wait
for all cause of doubt to be removed, will
never realize their desire. They gradually
become confirmed in unbelief. Those who
educate themselves to look on the dark
side, and murmur and complain, know not
what they do. They are sowing the seeds
of doubt, and they will have a harvest of
doubt to reap. At a time when faith and
confidence are most essential, many will
thus find themselves powerless to hope and
believe."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 808.
8.
After seven of the disciples had
spent a fruitless night fishing, what
instructions were given by a watcher
on the shore? What remarkable re-
sults followed obedience? John 21:
1-6, 11.
NOTE.—"Jesus had a purpose in bidding
them cast their net on the right side of the
ship. On that side He stood upon the
shore. That was the side of faith. If they
labored in connection with Him,—His di-
vine power combining with their human
effort,—they could not fail of success."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 811.
9.
Recognizing his Master, what
did Peter do? How was the morning
meal provided? John 21:7-14.
NoTE.—"Though they were to be de-
prived of His personal companionship, and
of the means of support by their former
employment, the risen Saviour would still
have a care for them. While they were do-
ing His work, He would provide for their
needs."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 811.
10.
What thrice-repeated answer
did Peter give when he was questioned
by Jesus? On each occasion, what
charge was given him? How did his
Lord reveal the last full measure of
devotion that Peter would give? John
21:15-19.
NoTE.—"Jesus thus made known to Pe-
ter the very manner of his death; He even
foretold the stretching forth of his hands
upon the cross. Again He bade His disci-
ple, 'Follow Me.' . . . Now He was pre-
pared to share in his Lord's mission of sac-
rifice. When at last brought to the cross, he
was, at his own request, crucified with his
head downward. He thought it too great
an honor to suffer in the same way as his
Master
did."—The Desire of Ages,
pages
815, 816.
Christ's Ministry Draws to
a Close
11.
How many believers met with
their Lord at the appointed place in
Galilee? What commission was given
them? Matt. 28:16-20; 1 Cor. 15:6.
NoTE.—"The Saviour's commission to the
disciples included all the believers. It in-
[46
3
cludes all believers in Christ to the end of
time. It is a fatal mistake to suppose that
the work of saving souls depends alone on
the ordained minister. . . . For this work
the church was established, and all who
take upon themselves its sacred vows are
thereby pledged to be co-workers with
Christ."-The
Desire of Ages,
page 822.
12. What pledge of power was
given for carrying out the commis-
sion? How was this promise con-
firmed? Luke 24:49; Mark 16:17, 18;
Acts 1:4, 5, 8.
NoTE.-"These disciples prepared them-
selves for their work. Before the Day of
Pentecost they met together, and put away
all differences. They were of one accord.
They believed Christ's promise that the
blessing would be given, and they prayed
in faith. . . . The gospel was to be carried
to the uttermost parts of the earth, and
they claimed the endowment of power that
Christ had promised. Then it was that the
Holy Spirit was poured out, and thousands
were converted in a day. So it may be
now."-The Desire of Ages,
page 827.
13. As the Lord gave His final in-
struction on Olivet, what glorious
event did the apostles witness? What
blessed promise, given by two angels,
cheered their hearts? Luke 24:50-53;
Acts 1:3, 9-11.
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
December 29, 1956
Southern African Division
Again we have the opportunity of sending aid to the great Southern
African Division, and this time it is for the worthy cause of providing
homes for African workers. Many of our African young people are go-
ing out as "foreign missionaries" to other tribes. In order to enable
these workers to do the most effective work and to make their homes
models of Christian homes in the communities where they labor,
we
need to provide them with modest but substantial houses in which to
live. That is the call that comes to us from Africa this quarter. Will
you help answer the call?
LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER, 1957
Sabbath-school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for the first quarter of 1957 will be helped by the following outline in studying
the first lesson. The lessons are on "Christian Virtues," and the first lesson is
entitled "Goodness and Nobility." The Memory Verse is Matt. 5:16. The texts
to be studied are:
Ques. 1 Luke 18:18, 19.
Ques. 8. Gal. 5:22, 23.
Ques. 2. Ex. 33 :19 ; 34:6, 7.
Ques. 9. 1 Peter :15, 16; Matt.
Ques. 3. Acts 10:38.
5:48; Eph. 4:13.
Ques. 4. Luke 4:18, 19.
Ques. 10. Matt. 5:16; 1 Peter 2:12.
Ques. 5. Ps. 14:2, 3.
Ques. 11. Titus 2:11-14.
Ques. 6. Rom. 2:4.
Ques. 12. Heb. 13:20, 21.
Ques. 7. Ps. 107:9; Matt. 5:6.
Ques. 13. Matt. 25:21.
[47
]
SOUTHERN AFRICAN
DIVISION
UNION MISSION
CONGO
EAST AFRICAN
SOUTH AFRICAN
SOUTHEAST AFRICAN
ZAMBESI
POPULATION
15,976,415
18,771,489
13,829,542
2,413,000
4,633,083
CHURCHES
249
221
176
69
107
CH. MEN.
39,656
38.608
14,349
13,373
22,093
55,623,529
822
128,079
33. MEN.
116,405
65,739
72,880
16,436
49,020
269,980
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